After the announcement of the “Best of the Year 2023” by Revista de Vinhos, it’s time to take a closer look at this “TOP 30 Excellence.”
“What is the total value of these thirty wines? Which regions surprised? What wine styles performed the best? Do classics prevail or are new talents gaining ground?
Every year, Revista de Vinhos not only awards winemakers, chefs, brands, and producers but also a very restricted nucleus of wines. There are 30 in total, selected for their quality from the universe of thousands of references tasted throughout the year by the Revista de Vinhos Tasting Panel.
Quality, profile, character, and identity are distinctive traits that allowed these wines to stand out and be included in the TOP 30 Excellence. They are the best among the best.
In total, in commercial value, they amount to almost 8000 euros in wine.
To be precise, €7926.90. But anyone who might think that only “expensive” wines are included would be mistaken. For example, Casas Altas Chardonnay Cerca da Rogenda 2022 has a retail price of €12. Conversely, a rare Bastardo from 1927, from the island of Madeira, described as “vibrant, rich, and tense” by the Panel, reaches an impressive €1564. The average price per bottle of the 2023 TOP 30 is €264.
In addition to the numbers, it’s worth noting some interesting data.
The quality of island wines is not news to anyone, and this TOP 30 confirms it, according to its tasters. Out of thirty references, five are from the islands – three from Madeira and two from the Azores.
The new generation of white wines left the judges particularly impressed, a fact that has been emphasized throughout various thematic tastings conducted by Revista de Vinhos. The same can be said for Portuguese sparkling wines and fortified wines.
Then, the eternal “duel” of classics vs. new projects.
Here, too, there are pleasant surprises and balance. The classics remain in good shape and are part of this TOP 30, coming from different regions and styles. But the new projects are not idle and are also present, with creative approaches.
Whether cheaper or more expensive, from the north, center, south, Madeira, or the Azores, classic or irreverent, one undeniable certainty remains: the TOP 30 Excellence brings together 30 wines that will surely not disappoint the consumer.”
An article by Revista de Vinhos. Photography: Fabrice Demoulin
In short, learn more about the wines of the Top 30 Excellence, available at Vinha.pt!
