Some decisions take years to be validated. Some are confirmed by the passing of time. Others, by the opinion of those who know wine best. In our case, that confirmation has come in the form of a number: 95 points and a Gold Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2026.
It is the highest score ever awarded to a wine from Bodegas Piqueras in more than a century of history. This medal also marks a milestone for the Almansa Designation of Origin (DO Almansa). Over the past five years, no wine from the appellation has achieved such a high rating at Decanter, one of the world’s most prestigious and demanding international wine competitions. Furthermore, throughout the history of the denomination, only one other wine had previously won a Gold Medal at this competition, in the 2021 edition.
Beyond the score itself, this recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the journey we have taken. For years, we have worked with one clear purpose: to prove that Almansa has a distinctive identity of its own and does not need to resemble any other wine region to produce outstanding wines.
A recognition that goes beyond the winery
Every year, the Decanter World Wine Awards brings together thousands of wines from dozens of countries. All are tasted blind by an international panel made up of some of the wine world’s most respected professionals: Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, specialist journalists and leading wine experts.
In a competition like this, the size of the winery, the marketing budget or the reputation of the brand are irrelevant. The only thing that matters is what is in the glass. That is why a Gold Medal for a wine produced in Almansa represents something far greater than the award itself. It demonstrates that this region can compete at the highest international level when authenticity is allowed to lead the way.
Piqueras Nature 2025: when less truly means more
The award-winning wine is Piqueras Nature 2025, a project born from a simple question: What happens when you choose to preserve purity?
The answer is a wine made exclusively from organically grown Syrah, with no added sulphites, aged for twelve months in terracotta amphorae.
The decision to use amphorae was not driven by the desire to be different or to follow a passing trend. Amphorae allow gentle micro-oxygenation similar to oak, but without imparting external flavours to the wine. There are no notes of vanilla, toast or spice altering the character of the grape—only fruit, soil, climate and time.
That was precisely the objective: to remove anything that might speak louder than the wine itself. To minimise intervention so that the true personality of Almansa could emerge in its purest form.
Piqueras Nature is about respecting its origin. Every decision throughout its production follows the same philosophy: intervene less to express more.
A recognition for the region
This medal confirms something we have believed for many years. Almansa offers exceptional conditions for producing wines with genuine personality: high-altitude vineyards, a continental climate, low rainfall and a viticultural tradition that has adapted to these conditions over generations.
For too long, this region has remained outside the international spotlight. Yet great wines are not born exclusively in the world’s most famous wine regions. They also emerge wherever there is a strong identity and an honest commitment to expressing it.
That is why this recognition belongs not only to Piqueras Nature. It also highlights the potential of a region that still has much to contribute to the story of Spanish wine.
Two award-winning wines, one shared philosophy
The success of this year’s Decanter Awards does not end with the Gold Medal. Piqueras VS 2022 has also been recognised with 91 points and a Silver Medal.
While Piqueras Nature represents the purest expression of organically grown Syrah, Piqueras VS interprets Almansa through its traditional grape varieties: Garnacha Tintorera and Monastrell, two grapes deeply rooted in our history and landscape.
They are two very different wines, crafted with different approaches, yet united by the same belief: that the true protagonist should always be the land itself.
This international recognition encourages us to continue working without shortcuts or chasing trends, convinced that the finest wines are born when their origin is given the space to speak for itself.
