Familia Martínez Zabala

Bodegas Faustino Triumphs at IWC with 96 Points for Its Iconic Faustino I Gran Reserva 2016

Bodegas Faustino Triumphs at IWC with 96 Points

Bodegas Faustino, part of the Familia Martínez Zabala wine group, has achieved 96 points in the renowned and most influential international competition IWC 2025 (International Wine Challenge) with its most iconic wine, Faustino I Gran Reserva 2016. This achievement marks the third consecutive year that Faustino I Gran Reserva has earned an outstanding score, further solidifying its global reputation.

This recognition holds special value, as the wines are judged completely blind by an international panel of experts. The IWC is one of the most prestigious competitions in the world, with entries from over 50 countries. In this edition, major wine-producing powers such as France, Australia, and Spain lead both the medal tally and the highest scores.

“Wonderfully aromatic style, showcasing the beautifying effect that quality barrel aging has on premium grapes.”
That is how the IWC jury described Faustino I, the best-selling Gran Reserva Rioja in the world.

A wine made from selected grapes from Familia Martínez Zabala's own vineyards, including tempranillo, mazuelo, and graciano, located in the Rioja Alavesa region at an average altitude of 600 meters. After careful fermentation with exhaustive technological control, this wine has undergone 9 years of aging in the winery, including at least 30 months in French and American oak barrels, nearly doubling the aging time required for this highest category by the Regulatory Council of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin. The wine is released to the market only when it reaches optimal tasting conditions, and all vintages have great aging potential. In fact, the winery prides itself on being one of the few with the largest number of historic vintages available for sale since 1955.

Faustino I Gran Reserva 2016 has not only stood out among the highest-rated wines at the IWC, but has also received a Grand Gold at the international Mundus Vini competition—the highest distinction awarded.

Moreover, the Faustino brand, a label of Familia Martínez Zabala, continues to strengthen and climb year after year in the ‘The World's Most Admired Wine Brands’ ranking, compiled annually by the prestigious British magazine Drinks International, currently holding the #15 position.