Decanter Rioja Guide 2025 recognises the authenticity and quality of Viñedos El Pacto
The May issue of Decanter, released today, features a comprehensive special on Rioja and its highly anticipated Rioja Report 2025. With over 55 pages of tastings, analysis and editorial content, this publication highlights the producers shaping the region’s present and future. In this context, Viñedos El Pacto stands out as one of the most highly regarded projects, with two of its wines selected among the Top 60 Exceptional Rioja Wines, chosen by Ines Salpico, Regional Editor for Spain at Decanter, and Beth Willard, panel taster and Spanish wine specialist.
Jesús Acha Blanco 2018
97 points
“While it’s reminiscent of top Burgundy, I’m hesitant to make that comparison because this is stunning in its own right.” The palate is “saline, with fabulous texture… mouthfilling, but supported by impressive acidity.”
Jesús Acha Tinto 2019
95 points
A “serious and elegant wine”, with “a lot of fruit depth, with sweet, ripe red berries… a certain savoury note… and a black olive tapenade character” that adds nuance and complexity.
This special feature comes at a pivotal time for Rioja, as the DOCa celebrates its centenary. More than 700 newly released wines were tasted to identify key trends and quality benchmarks across the region. The selected wines not only reflect excellence, but a new phase in Rioja’s evolution — one that embraces precision, authenticity and a contemporary expression of origin.
Both wines are also featured in the broader Rioja Report 2025, curated by Decanter’s regional panel, which includes Pedro Ballesteros Torres MW and Fintan Kerr MW.
In addition, several other wines from Viñedos El Pacto received top marks in the same report, available online via Decanter Premium:
Valdechuecas Viñedo Singular
2021 - 96 points
Riojanda Viñedo Singular
2021 - 95 points
El Pacto de Cárdenas
2022 - 96 points
This recognition reaffirms Viñedos El Pacto as a project deeply rooted in Rioja’s viticultural heritage, with a modern and respectful approach to its land and legacy. Each wine is born from old vines, carefully tended historic plots, and a clear commitment: to honour the memory of those who have shaped this landscape for generations and carry it forward through soulful, precise and age-worthy wines.
