At Bodegas Mamerto de la Vara, we are celebrating. Our Amber Mistela has been awarded the Grand Gold Medal at the 2025 International Bulk Wine Competition (IBWC), the highest award given by this prestigious international competition. This recognition comes in a particularly symbolic year for us: our 85th anniversary.
AN EXCEPTIONAL AWARD FOR A UNIQUE WINE
The International Bulk Wine Competition (IBWC), held annually as part of the World Bulk Wine Exhibition (WBWE) in Amsterdam, is one of the world’s most influential competitions dedicated to bulk wine. More than 150 samples from different countries participated in this edition, evaluated by an international jury composed of 25 experts, including oenologists, sommeliers, journalists and industry specialists.
Of all the samples evaluated, only three wineries obtained a Grand Gold Medal—the highest recognition of the competition, reserved for wines that achieve exceptional quality, with scores between 93.1 and 100 points—and Mamerto de la Vara was the only Spanish representative to achieve this, a milestone that reinforces its track record in producing high-quality bulk wines. Our winery, which had already been recognised in previous editions with Gold and Grand Gold Medals, thus once again reinforces its international prestige.
AMBER MISTELA: ELEGANCE, COMPLEXITY AND BALANCE
During the tasting, Amber Mistela stood out for its quality and sensory profile, which was recognised by the jury:
Colour: light amber, clean and bright.
Aromas: antique wood, cigar box, wine-soaked hardwood, along with intense and complex nuances.
On the palate: creamy, dense and with a balanced acidity that brings freshness.
Nuances: orange liqueur, baked apple, chopped blond tobacco, nuts, cocoa, vanilla and sweet toasted notes.
Finish: long, elegant and very pleasant.
AN AWARD THAT REINFORCES 85 YEARS OF HISTORY
This recognition has special significance, as it coincides with the 85th anniversary of the founding of Bodegas Mamerto de la Vara in 1940. Over eight decades, three generations have kept alive a legacy based on quality, dedication and respect for wine.
As Ángel de la Vara Soriano, Managing Director of the winery, points out:
‘Receiving the most prestigious award in the competition, which is only given to a very small number of wines, is a source of great pride for our winery and recognition of the efforts of three generations dedicated to producing quality sweet wines. The fact that this recognition coincides with our 85th anniversary makes it especially significant.’
WITH OUR EYES SET ON THE FUTURE
This new award reaffirms our presence in international markets and strengthens our commitment to combining tradition and innovation. We continue to work with the same spirit with which Mamerto de la Vara founded the winery 85 years ago, proud to take our sweet wines to the highest levels.