Leading sommeliers from across the world honour wines from 16 countries following a rigorous selection process.
February 26th. This week has been announced the World Best Sommerlier Selection 2026 and Viña Monty Graciano 2019 has been included awarded. 116 wines have been selected, including 12 Spanish wines, and only 3 of them from DOCa Rioja region.
Viña Monty Graciano 2019 has been described by the jury as: “Hailing from one of the oldest wineries in Rioja, Bodegas Montecillo Viña Monty Graciano Reserva 2019 is crafted from 100% graciano, which is usually one of the region’s supporting grapes. Given a starring role here, it’s a wine packed with plush black fruit and floral flavours crying out for red meat. Offering a hedonistic medley of sweet red and black fruit, floral and herbal notes, on the nose are aromas of black cherry, cassis and strawberry jam that mingle with fresh violets, dried iris, rosemary, thyme and hints of mushroom. It’s a classic, full-bodied Graciano with flavours of forest floor, liquorice, clove and vanilla coming from the oak. A powerful wine with plenty of heft, the ripe tannins are balanced by vibrant acidity and elegant fruit.
The panel of judges also highlighted its pairing proposal: “With its ripe black fruit flavours, try this brooding Graciano with roasted pheasant in a red wine jus, braised pork rice, a chargrilled T-bone steak, or chorizo risotto.”
In a global celebration of wine excellence, the world’s most discerning palates came together to judge the third edition of World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection. Leading sommeliers from 17 countries across six continents gathered to taste, debate and determine the standout wines of the year. The panel were invited from the global network within The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and led by Kristell Monot, President of the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection 2026, and Head Sommelier at Mugaritz, ranked No.87 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025. The sommeliers’ final selection features 115 wines from 16 countries and spans every colour, style and expression, offering a trusted benchmark that showcases everything from timeless icons to exciting new voices shaping the future of wine.
Viña Monty Graciano receives some of the most prestigious international awards vintage after vintage. This 2019 vintage is the third vintage made from 100% Graciano and consolidates the winery’s trajectory after the award-winning 2016 (97 points, top 50 in the Best In Show Decanter World Wine Awards 2024) and 2015 (96 points, Rioja Trophy and Graciano Trophy in the International Wine Challenge 2022)
