Familia Martínez Zabala

Campillo 57 achieves 97 points and a platinum medal at Decanter, one of the best Rioja wines

Campillo 57 achieves 97 points and a platinum medal at Decanter, one of the best Rioja wines

Familia Martínez Zabala once again ranks among the great names of international wine after securing six outstanding accolades at the Decanter World Wine Awards, one of the most prestigious and influential wine competitions globally: a Platinum Medal for Campillo 57 2019, and five Gold Medallas, all with scores of 95 points or higher, for its wines from Bodegas Faustino (DOCa Rioja), Portia (DO Ribera del Duero), and Marqués de Vitoria (DOCa Rioja).

The highest recognition went to Campillo 57 2019, from Bodegas Campillo (Laguardia, Álava), which earned 97 points and a Platinum Medal—only eight wines from the DOCa Rioja managed to achieve this score. Joining this triumph are the Gold Medals awarded to Portia Alta 2023, Portia Prima La Encina 2023, and Portia Crianza 2023, all scoring 96 points; alongside Faustino I Blanco 2021 and Marqués de Vitoria Reserva 2022, both with 95 points. This list of honors reinforces the quality, diversity, and international projection of the wineries that make up Familia Martínez Zabala.

Among the wines recognized by Decanter, several belong to Martínez Zabala Gallery, the most exclusive collection of Familia Martínez Zabala. These are unique, singular wines crafted in limited editions, originating from their own vineyards, selected varieties, and meticulously cared-for plots.

Each wine in the Martínez Zabala Gallery reflects a highly precise approach to winemaking: observing the vineyard, choosing the exact moment for harvest, and accompanying each wine with a singular production process, respecting its origin and potential for aging. Their numbered bottles reflect this attention to detail and the know-how of a family with over four generations dedicated to wine.

Each year, the Decanter World Wine Awards bring together an international panel of judges consisting of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and renowned experts who taste the wines blind, evaluating their quality, precision, balance, and character. Within this context, achieving such high scores represents an invaluable endorsement for any winery and confirms the consistency of a family project with over 160 years of history in the wine world.

Campillo 57 Selección Especial 2019, 97 points Platinum

The highest-rated wine from Familia Martínez Zabala in this edition was Campillo 57 2019, which achieved 97 points and a Platinum Medal. Crafted from Tempranillo and Graciano, it comes from estate-owned Tempranillo vineyards that are over 60 years old and located at an altitude of more than 700 meters.

This wine, conceived as a tribute to the 4th generation of Familia Martínez Zabala, expresses the identity of Bodegas Campillo and its way of understanding Rioja Alavesa through the vineyard, elegance, and time. Its Platinum Medal positions it among the most outstanding wines of the competition and confirms Campillo's ability to craft age-worthy wines with personality, balance, and a clear expression of their origin.

(Mz Gallery)

Three Golds for Bodegas Portia in Ribera del Duero

Bodegas Portia was one of the major protagonists for Familia Martínez Zabala in this edition, with three of its wines awarded a Gold Medal: Portia Alta 2023, Portia Prima La Encina 2023, and Portia Crianza 2023, all scoring 96 points.

Portia Alta 2023, rated at 96 points, enters the market backed by a Gold medal at the DWWA. It originates from estate-owned plots situated at an altitude of 900 meters which, combined with poor soils, low yields, and the area's harsh climate, promotes a slow ripening of the grapes, resulting in a natural balance between sugars, acidity, and a high aromatic concentration. This is a limited edition of 3,900 numbered bottles.

Bodegas Portia Prima La Encina 2023, also with 96 points, is a red wine that stands out for its structure, balance, and a long finish marked by notes of oak aging and black fruit.

Meanwhile, Portia Crianza 2023, likewise awarded 96 points, confirms the strength of the range and the winery's consistency.

Faustino I Gran Reserva Blanco 2021, a Rioja Icon with 95 points Gold

Among the award-winning wines is Faustino I Gran Reserva Blanco 2021, which achieved 95 points and a Gold Medal. Produced exclusively in exceptional vintages from Viura and Chardonnay, this wine stands out for its complexity, elegance, and aging potential. This accolade at the Decanter World Wine Awards reinforces Bodegas Faustino's commitment to great white wines for cellaring and establishes this reference as one of the most prominent in the denomination.

Marqués de Vitoria Reserva 2022, 95 points Gold

The list of awards is completed by Marqués de Vitoria Reserva 2022, which received 95 points and a Gold Medal. This is a D.O.Ca. Rioja Reserva made with Tempranillo and aged for a minimum of 12 months in American oak barrels. Located in Oyón, in Rioja Alavesa—the family's ancestral hometown—Bodegas Marqués de Vitoria represents a modern, fruit-forward approach to Rioja, based on careful vineyard management and innovation applied to the winemaking processes.

Familia Martínez Zabala Awards at the Decanter World Wine Awards

Campillo 57 Selección Especial 2019 – 97 points – Platinum

Portia Alta 2023 – 96 points – Gold

Bodegas Portia Prima La Encina 2023 – 96 points – Gold

Portia 2023 – 96 points – Gold

Bodegas Faustino I Gran Reserva 2021 – 95 points – Gold

Marqués de Vitoria Reserva 2022 – 95 points – Gold