The Women in Wine & Spirits awards have named Maria Vargas and BEST winemaker of the world. This award is preceded by his great trajectory and the important role it has had in the impact of its wineries: Marqués de Murrieta and Pazo de Barrantes. We tell you more about the history of the Spanish here.
The best winemaker in the world is Spanish!
The Women in Wine & Spirits Awards 2021 they have awarded Maria Vargas as the best oenologist of the world. An award that recognizes the professional career of the Spanish wine expert. Emphasizing her fundamental role in the international impact of two of its products: Marqués de Murrieta wine and Barrantes Manor. As well as his important contribution to the wine industry and his vision of the future. And it is that, it is about the technical director of this two wineries. The first recognized as DOCa. Rioja and the second DO Rías Baixas.
From the wineries they have celebrated this recognition claiming that "it does not come by chance". Well, it has arrived “thanks to the effort of many years looking for the maximum quality y excellence at their worked". The Spanish has been a fundamental piece in the growth of the vineyards, the winery and, of course, the wines Marqués de Murrieta and Pazo de Barrante. Obviously, with the support and trust of Cristina and Vicente Cebrián-Sagarriaga.
“Your good work has helped position the warehouses at the top of all national and international rankings” commented from Marqués de Murrieta. This appointment is preceded by other achievements. Some of them can be: 100 Parker points to Castillo Ygay Blanco from 1986 or the appointment of Castillo Ygay Red 2010 as the best wine in the world by Wine Spectator.
A path full of improvement
Marías Vargas arrived at the winery as an internship student at the age of 23. “She thought she knew a lot, but each vintage I realized that I really had no idea” assures the winemaker. After five years of experience and still with much to learn, she received a call. In it they informed her that the old technical director was retiring and that it was her turn to be hers. new director. “My first reaction was to say no. He was 27 years old and I thought she didn't deserve it." She continues explaining.
However, that denial did not last even a week. Since 7 days later he already had a card in which his new position was recognized. “From then on, I promised myself that I would give everything to rise to the challenge”. Shortly after, his first Castillo de Igay, the one from the 2000 harvest. “It is the most sentimental wine for me. I couldn't say which Castillo Ygay is better. But if there is an unforgettable one, that of 2010. With it he decided that he needed to redefine wine. For this, they selected a farm, La Plana, and used only two varieties: Tempranillo y mazuelo.
This new decision was a success, as was the rest of his management in the cellars. It is demonstrated by all the recognitions that he has achieved. “I am a small part of 170 years of experience and, indeed, if there is something I would like, it is that my time here be remembered as a good stage in the winery. But time will tell". Humbly clarifies María Vargas.
La Rioja cradle of María Vargas wines
Wine Spectator editor Thomas Matthews has referred to La Rioja as the world's most important wine region. We do not know very well if he meant in Spain or in the whole world. Vargas talks about this location: "We are lucky to have magnificent vineyards inherited for generations, with a great viticultural knowledge y ecological. With an extraordinary diversity of climates and soils”. Furthermore, he adds that “right now Rioja is going through a spectacular moment, with young people and small wineries that are making great wines”.
Multiple awards and recognitions place the wines of Maria Vargas in a distinctive position. In addition, her willpower and her determination to innovate and redefine herself have made her one of the best technical directors in history. All this has led him to become the best winemaker in the world. Denomination with which we agree and for which we are happy. Did you already know the history of this Spanish winemaker?
