When it comes to Spain’s most expensive wines, you won’t find a Cabernet Sauvignon in sight. Like its cuisine, Spain’s wines are rich, rustic, and deeply rooted in tradition. From robust reds to briny whites, Spain offers a diverse array of wines that reflect its sun-soaked landscapes. While a rustic red might be paired with a sharp slice of Manchego, the country also boasts wines of remarkable complexity and, increasingly, high prices. From Rías Baixas to Rioja, Spain is climbing the ranks of the world’s most expensive wines without a Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir among them.
The World’s Most Expensive Spanish Wines
| Teso La Monja $1,556 |
| Comando G Rumbo al Norte Navarrevisca Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León $1,125 |
| Descendientes de J. Palacios La Faraona $1,105 |
| Dominio de Pingus Pingus $1,089 |
| Alvaro Palacios L’Ermita Velles Vinyes $1,077 |
| Sierra Cantabria Mágico $608 |
| Dominio de Es La Diva $556 |
| Bodegas Rafael Palacios Sorte O Soro $417 |
| Dominio de Es La Mata $412 |
| Vatan Arena Tinta de Toro $403 |
1. Teso La Monja (Toro)
Leading the list is Teso La Monja, a Tinto de Toro (Tempranillo) from the Toro region. Produced by Sierra Cantabria, the estate was established in Rioja in 1870 and is renowned for its Tempranillo wines. Teso La Monja is crafted from ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines, hand-picked and fermented in an oak ovoid vat known as Ovum. Described by Guia Penn as having notes of roasted coffee, black fruit, and smoked earth, this wine has an aggregated score of 95 points and a price tag of $1,556.
2. Comando G Rumbo al Norte (Castilla y León)
Second on the list is Comando G Rumbo al Norte from northwestern Castilla y León, specializing in Garnacha from old vines. Founded by enology friends Daniel Landi and Fernando Garcia, Rumbo al Norte is their fullest expression, featuring rich dark fruit with herbaceous balsamic, cherry, and earth notes. With a score of 96 points, it costs $1,125.
3. Descendientes de J. Palacios La Faraona (Bierzo, Castilla y León)
Third is La Faraona by Descendientes de J. Palacios, made from Mencía in Bierzo. The estate, a collaboration between Alvaro Palacios and his nephew Ricardo Perez Palacios, was established in 1998. Known for their low-yielding old bush vines, La Faraona is noted for its flinty, mineral qualities paired with cranberry, redcurrant, sour cherry, and a touch of salt. With a score of 97 points, it is the most expensive Mencía at $1,105.
4. Dominio de Pingus Pingus (Ribera del Duero)
Fourth is the famed Pingus by Dominio de Pingus, one of Ribera del Duero’s most celebrated estates, established in 1995. Known for pure Tempranillo, the 2004 vintage was praised for its complex aromas of coffee bean, licorice, blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry jam. With a score of 97 points, Pingus is priced at $1,089.
5. Alvaro Palacios L’Ermita Velles Vinyes (Priorat)
In fifth place is Alvaro Palacios’ L’Ermita Velles Vinyes, a pure old-vine Garnacha that has become one of Spain’s most collectible wines. Described as complex with earthy notes of balsamic, red berry, bright cherry, and spice, it scores 97 points and costs $1,077.
6. Sierra Cantabria Mágico (Rioja)
Sixth is Sierra Cantabria’s Mágico, made from a classic Rioja blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo, and Graciano. With its signature Riojan notes of spiced red cherry and herbs, Mágico scores 96 points and is priced at $608.
7. Dominio de Es La Diva (Ribera del Duero)
Seventh is La Diva by Dominio de Es, featuring Tempranillo with a hint of Albillo Mayor. The 2017 vintage was praised for its concentrated dark forest berry fruit, raspberry, and fine spiciness, with a score of 96 points and priced at $556.
8. Bodegas Rafael Palacios Sorte O Soro (Galicia)
Eighth is the first white on the list, Sorte O Soro by Rafael Palacios, made from old Godello vines in Galicia’s Bibei Valley. Noted for sweet spice, oak, herbs, and balsamic notes, it scores 95 points and is priced at $417.
9. Dominio de Es La Mata (Ribera del Duero)
Ninth is La Mata by Dominio de Es, made from ungrafted pre-phylloxera vines. It features aromatic notes of coffee, smoke, and red cherry, scoring 93 points and costing $412.
10. Vatan Arena Tinta de Toro (Toro)
Rounding out the list is Vatan Arena Tinta de Toro by Jorge Ordóñez, a champion of the Toro wine region. Made from ancient Tempranillo clones, it is described as having aromas of brambly fruits, bittersweet chocolate, and herbal notes, with a score of 95 points and priced at $403.
While much of the world’s most expensive wines are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, Spain remains true to its heritage with Tempranillo, Mencía, and Garnacha taking center stage as they slowly but surely ascend the ranks of the world’s finest wines.
