Albanta Albariño 2025 Wins Spanish Wine Trophy at the International Wine Challenge 2026

There's no shortage of Albariño on the market. But every now and then, one comes along that stops you in your tracks and reminds you exactly why this Atlantic grape variety became so beloved in the first place.

Albanta Albariño Sobre Lías 2025 from Altos de Torona has just been awarded the Spanish Wine Trophy at the International Wine Challenge 2026, officially recognising it as one of the finest white wines produced in Spain this year.

And it happens to be one of the best white wines you can open this summer.

What Is Albanta Albariño Sobre Lías?

Albanta is made by Altos de Torona in the O Rosal subzone of Rías Baixas, the prestigious white wine region on Spain's north-west Atlantic coast.

What sets it apart from everyday Albariño is the sobre lías ageing. The wine rests on its fine lees after fermentation, building extra texture, weight and complexity without losing an ounce of the grape's signature freshness.

The result is an Albariño that punches well above its price point: bright and crisp where it needs to be, with real depth and structure to stand up to food.

Tasting notes:

• Zesty citrus and fresh lime
• White peach and ripe stone fruit
• A clean, saline, sea-breeze minerality
• Creamy mid-palate texture from lees ageing
• Long, dry, mouthwatering finish

Why Did It Win the Spanish Wine Trophy at IWC 2026?

The International Wine Challenge is one of the most rigorous and respected blind-tasting competitions in the world. Panels of Masters of Wine, sommeliers and international wine buyers judge every entry blind. No labels, no prices, no reputation to coast on.

Winning a Trophy and not just a medal is a significant achievement. It means Albanta didn't just score well: it was judged outstanding among all Spanish wines entered across the competition.

For a Rías Baixas Albariño to take the Spanish Wine Trophy speaks to just how well this wine performs at the highest level.

The Best White Wine for BBQ Season?

Ask most wine buyers what they reach for when the barbecue goes on, and Albariño is almost always near the top of the list. It has the freshness and acidity to cut through warm weather, while still carrying enough flavour and texture to work with food.

Albanta is particularly well suited to:

• BBQ seafood including prawns, whole fish and scallops
• Grilled chicken, especially with herbs, lemon or light marinades
• Summer salads and vegetable dishes
• Sushi and lighter Asian food
• Tapas and Mediterranean sharing plates
• Or simply well chilled, in the garden, on its own

If you're building a summer wine list, whether at home or in a restaurant, this earns its place.

About Altos de Torona and Rías Baixas

Altos de Torona is an estate producer based in O Rosal, one of the five subzones of Rías Baixas. The vineyards sit close to the Atlantic Ocean, where the cool coastal climate, granite soils and regular sea breezes naturally preserve acidity and produce the mineral, saline character that defines great Albariño.

The winery is committed to sustainable viticulture, focusing on producing wines with precision and a genuine sense of place. Wines that taste like where they come from.

Where to Buy Albanta Albariño 2025

We have a small allocation of Albanta Albariño Sobre Lías 2025 available now at Love Wine.

Stock like this doesn't hang around. Trophy-winning wines at this price point tend to sell fast once word gets out.

If you're after a standout white wine for summer, something with an award behind it, a story worth telling, and a flavour that will have guests asking where it came from, this is the one to have in the fridge.