“Miquel Hudin highlights the uniqueness of Arizcuren and awards 97 Points to Barranco del Prado”

The renowned international wine critic recognizes our commitment to the traditional grape varieties of Rioja Baja and awards outstanding scores to seven of our wines.

In October 2026, wine critic and writer Miquel Hudin dedicated an article to Arizcuren, highlighting the uniqueness of our project, the Mediterranean character of our vineyards, and our commitment to recovering and showcasing the historic grape varieties of Rioja Baja.

In his article, Hudin emphasizes one of Arizcuren’s most distinctive features: our location in the heart of Logroño, where we produce approximately 30,000 bottles a year in an urban winery that combines tradition, precision, and a highly personal approach to winemaking.

Beyond our unusual location, however, the critic pays particular attention to the origins of our wines: the vineyards located on the hillsides of Quel, in Rioja Baja, a region with a distinctly Mediterranean influence, where varieties such as Garnacha and Mazuelo find an especially authentic expression.

One of the highlights of the article is Barranco del Prado 2023, which receives an exceptional score of 97 out of 100.

Hudin praises its aromatic complexity, depth, and outstanding freshness, making it the highest-rated wine in the selection.

Finca El Foro 2024 also receives an impressive 95 points, with the critic highlighting its delicacy, elegance, structure, and length.

Seven Arizcuren Wines Recognized by Miquel Hudin

The published scores and tasting notes reflect the personality and diversity of our wines.

Barranco del Prado 2023 — 97/100

“Spiced red cherry with a very zesty note of orange peel and lively pomegranate, softly chocolate-y with a light note of apple blossom. Rich, powdery and lengthy on the palate with fine, peppery notes into the finish with excellent freshness.”

Finca El Foro 2024 — 95/100

“Finely spiced red cherry with a touch of dried orange peel and lighter apple blossom notes, and underlying bitter chocolate. Delicate and finely structure on the palate with very nice length.”

Sologarnacha 2024 — 94/100

“Finely red fruited with softer cherry and lighter wild strawberry notes, touches of bitter chocolate and light toasted sweetness at the base. Rich and rounded on the palate with fine, lifted structure into the finish.”

Solomazuelo 2024 — 93/100

“Very soft powdery cocoa and lighter black cherry as well as light floral lavender notes, black pepper spice at the base. Structured, linear and very fine on the palate with crunchy touches in the finish.”

Monte Gatún Blanco 2025 — 92/100

“Fine, pulpy citric peel with a good deal of white tea and sweet saline notes. Right and pulpy on the palate with find roundness into the finish.”

Monte Gatún 2024 — 92/100

“Lovely spiced mix of red and dark fruits, softer forest berries with a light touch of dark cherry at the base. Fine wealth of fruit on the palate with a delicate freshness and leafy touches into the finish.”

Solomazuelo 2015 — 91/100

“Mix of red and dark cherry fruits along with lighter orange peel notes and a kick of peppery spice at the base. Light and flexible on palate with softer red cherry fruit in the finish and softer confected notes.”

A Different Perspective on Rioja

Beyond the outstanding scores, Miquel Hudin’s article represents an important recognition of the philosophy behind our work.

The critic particularly emphasizes the leading role of Garnacha and Mazuelo, two historic grape varieties of Rioja Baja that are fundamental to the identity of our wines.

In contrast to the predominance of Tempranillo in other parts of Rioja, Hudin highlights the potential of these varieties in a region with a strong Mediterranean influence, where they find ideal conditions to express their distinctive character.

He also underlines the importance of our single-vineyard wines, particularly Barranco del Prado and Finca El Foro, as examples of wines that faithfully convey the landscape and terroir from which they originate.

In his concluding remarks, Hudin encourages those who believe they already know Rioja to explore the wines emerging from its easternmost vineyards, praising their ability to combine Riojan elegance with Mediterranean character.

This recognition is a source of great satisfaction for the entire Arizcuren team and encourages us to continue working with the same philosophy: crafting authentic wines, deeply rooted in their landscape and capable of expressing the true essence of our vineyards in Quel.

We would like to thank Miquel Hudin for his visit, his interest in our project, and his appreciation of our wines.

We remain committed to showcasing a different expression of Rioja, firmly rooted in our origins in Rioja Baja.

Full report here