‘Challenge International Gilbert & Gaillard’ is an annual wine competition organized by the French magazine Gilbert & Gaillard, known globally for its wine and spirits reviews. The competition is open to wineries and producers from all over the world, and the wines are blind tasted by a panel of international experts. Gilbert & Gaillard also publishes a wine guide in nine languages and a wine magazine in France and more than 22 countries worldwide. It should be noted that winning an award in such a prestigious competition as Gilbert & Gaillard entails having extremely high international visibility and recognition, so it is a particularly important milestone for Bodegas Langa.

This year, two Reyes de Aragón cavas have received the highest awards, so they cannot be missed to toast the upcoming end-of-year celebrations.

• Reyes de Aragón El Monje with the Double GOLD Medal.
• Reyes de Aragón El Casto with the GOLD Medal.

Monje Brut Nature has a golden color that is bright and luminous. On the palate, it has a brisk head and a lively acidity that complements the delicate sweetness of the fruit. It pairs well with seafood and oily fish, as well as white meats and all types of rice dishes. It is balanced, medium in length, and has a herbaceous and acidic finish.

Casto Brut Reserva. It has a dry entry in the mouth, providing a very pleasant sensation, with a delicious tropical fruit flavor accompanied by a touch of brioche, as well as light notes of honey and nuts. It is a 17 months reserve cava in unctuous rhyme perfect to accompany all kinds of appetizers and ideal as a welcome drink.

The ‘Challenge International Gilbert & Gaillard’ has unparalleled worldwide recognition, particularly in the Nordic countries, Asia, Canada, and Central Europe, where Bodegas Langa is currently exporting or working to expand its business, so these awards come at a very good time for the firm, as a Gilbert & Gaillard medal means a 25% increase in sales turnover and 65% more export opportunities, according to figures provided by the organization itself.

A unique opportunity for Bodegas Langa, which is currently pursuing a business expansion strategy, with the opening of a store in China and the expansion of its facilities for the coming year, with the aim of recovering ancestral varieties originating in Aragon, expanding its production capacity, and working on the development of new products to create new memorable wine experiences.

Part of the success of Reyes de Aragón cava lies in the values that have accompanied the company since its creation and that have shaped its identity, making it a family winery with an innovative, modern, and authentic personality. Born in ancestral vineyards -located in the Iberian system at an altitude of more than 800 metres above sea level, aged and pampered in a traditional way- the cavas of Bodegas Langa have unrepeatable flavours.

With more than 150 years of history and some 40 years producing cava, Bodegas Langa currently produces one million bottles of cava and wine per year. Of its total production, 60% of its cavas and 98% of its wines are sold abroad in more than 30 countries, including all of Europe, as well as countries such as the United States, Canada, Latin America, Japan, China, Taiwan, New Zealand, and Australia.

It is also a cava with many awards, both nationally and internationally. Similarly, the prestigious contest of the specialized wine publication Wine Pleasures, “50 Great Sparkling Wines of the World,” which recognizes every year the best cavas and producers of the sector, has just published its ranking for the year 2024, in which three of Bodegas Langa’s cavas have been awarded, consolidating its position as one of the sector’s leaders at an international level.

The much-anticipated competition brings together DO Cava makers from all over the world to showcase their greatest creations, which are evaluated by a jury of international experts who must select the 50 best from more than 200 presented. The Aragonese cava from Bodegas Langa has once again triumphed with the following high-scoring references.

Cavas de Guarda:

• Casto Brut Reserva 2020, 92 puntos. Harvested by hand, this is a 17-month-old reserve cava in unctuous rhyme, perfect to accompany all kinds of aperitifs and ideal as a welcome drink.

Cavas de Guarda Superior:

• Reyes de Aragón Reserva 2020, 91 puntos. On the palate, it is long, elegant and reflects a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, making it a perfect match for salads, roasts, and baked fish.
• Reyes de Aragón Gran Reserva 2018, 91 puntos. Its fine, juicy flavour, its tangy sweetness and its soft foam flatter the palate. It is ideal for sharing with salads, roasts, rice dishes, seafood, and baked fish.

Falstraff, Austria’s and Germany’s top wine magazine, recently named two of Bodegas Langa’s cavas among the finest in Spain for 2023: Reyes de Aragón Gran Reserva 2018, with 91 points, and Monje Brut Nature, with 88 points. It pairs nicely with seafood and oily fish, as well as white meats and a variety of rice dishes. It is balanced, medium-length, and has an herbaceous and acidic finish.

A few days ago, Reyes de Aragón Gran Reserva also received in Zaragoza the Gold Medal for the best cava of Aragón at the Wines of Aragón 2023 show.

Bodegas Langa is a world and national reference in the cava industry due to its extraordinary high quality sparkling wines with flavours and aromas that delight all palates.

Proof of this is the very high number of orders that, according to Bodegas Langa, they have been receiving for a couple of months now, both from distributors and individuals, who want to stock up on this precious nectar so that they don’t lack for anything during the end-of-year festivities. If you also want to enjoy one of the most awarded cavas in the world, made in the high-altitude vineyards of Calatayud, make sure to put it on your shopping list before stocks run out.

In October 2023, ICEX Spain Export and Investment arranged two food product exhibitions for Chinese importers of food and beverage in Chengdu and Wuhan.

The ‘Open Days China 2023’ are part of the ‘Spain Food Nation’ campaign organized by ICEX and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) to promote the image of Spanish food, wine and beverages in major export markets and represents a great opportunity for Spanish companies. The ‘Open Days’ officially launched the ‘Spain Food Nation China 2023’ on this occasion, first welcoming the professional public from the local food industry, including importers, distributors, HORECA (hospitality, restaurant and catering), and specialized media. The event was extended into the afternoon, welcoming a select group of final consumers who were chosen for the occasion based on their special interest in Spanish products and their purchasing capacity.

These events are a unique opportunity to publicize selected products or ‘gourmets’, that are quite popular in this market, especially those belonging to designations of origin or are organic, so Bodegas Langa had an excellent welcome and a great role to play.

Indeed, the Langa family has been able to transmit from generation to generation a great responsibility for its terroir and the biodiversity of their vineyards, which has allowed them to take better advantage of the natural resources of the environment, creating a sustainable production focused not only on winemaking but also on the ecological sustainability of the entire ecosystem that makes up their wineries. For this reason, they produce environmentally friendly organic wines, understanding that sustainability is an increasingly relevant concept in the wine industry, both for its environmental benefits and for the added value it brings to the final consumer. To put it briefly, sustainability is a strategic commitment of Bodegas Langa that allows it to differentiate itself in a demanding and competitive market such as the Chinese.

These ‘Open Days China 2023’ have been an opportunity for Bodegas Langa to interact with relevant Chinese importers, specialized media and influential people in the industry, so they are satisfied with the contacts made and the great interest aroused by their wines in both cities. With the opening of a store in Xiamen, China, last May 2023, which also acts as the company’s commercial headquarters in this country, there is no doubt that the results will be noticed very soon.

The Berlin Wine Trophy has become the largest international wine competition in Germany, as well as one of the most important wine competitions worldwide. Every year it brings together renowned producers and distributors from all over the world, and the number of samples submitted is constantly growing, with more than 14,000 entries per year in its winter and summer editions.

The Reyes de Aragón El Casto cava received the “Berliner Gold – Berliner Wein Trophy 2023” in the summer 2023 edition. The Casto Brut Reserva is crafted from 30- to 40-year-old Chardonnay and 75% Macabeo grapes grown in vineyards 800 meters above sea level. It has a delicate bubble that makes its mouth entry dry, giving off a very pleasant sensation. The flavor is excellent, resembling tropical fruits with a hint of brioche and delicate notes of honey and almonds. It is a hand-selected 17-month reserve cava in luscious color that goes well with all types of food and is a great welcome drink.

This year, in the Asia Wine Trophy, the largest wine competition in Asia and the only one sponsored by the OIV, more than 4,300 references were presented and a jury composed of experts from the main importing countries of the continent was present. The Reyes de Aragón El Monje cava, ‘Asia Gold – Asia Wine Trophy 2023’, was given the Gold medal after being tasted by 140 international judges from September 3 to September 6, 2023.

Monje Brut Nature is also made with 75% Macabeo and 25% Chardonnay from high altitude vineyards over 30 years old. The 12 months in rhyme, with residual sugars, give it a pale-yellow color, persistent foam and very small bubbles. It is a cava that has good acidity, is full-bodied, lengthy, and bitter-free. It has aromas of pink grapefruit and tropical fruits, with hints of almond and coconut. It is perfect with seafood and oily fish such as salmon or sea bass, white meats and all kinds of rice dishes.

The Wine Trophies are among the world’s most rigorously regulated wine competitions, with oenological evaluations of the winners conducted under notarial supervision. Being awarded gold in these international competitions, a reference in the world of wine and cava, makes Bodegas Langa consolidates itself as one of the most relevant and innovative producers today, with cavas born in vineyards raised and pampered in a traditional way in its cellar with more than 150 years of history, almost 40 years producing cava.

Bodegas Langa started the 2023 harvest with its white grape type Chardonnay two weeks earlier than usual due to the higher temperatures observed this year throughout the peninsula, as we revealed at the end of August 2023. The fruit was at the height of its organoleptic qualities; therefore, the drought caused the grapes to ripen more quickly without degrading their quality.

For the first time in their history, they have also advanced the Garnacha variety’s harvest to start on last Monday, September 11, 2023, which is a highly unusual date. As was the case with their Chardonnay variety, it arrived two weeks sooner than anticipated. The latest rains in Calatayud last week have also improved the forecasts, so a normal harvest in volume and optimal quality is expected, similar to last year.

The lack of rain and the intense heat have caused the fruits to not ripen uniformly, which has complicated the year for the wine industry, according to Bodegas Langa. As a result, they decided to move the harvest forward in order to produce fresher and more aromatic wines. The absence of humidity, which is a direct result of the drought, has allowed for the start of the Garnacha harvest with excellently healthy grapes and vines because potential fungal damage has been averted.

César Langa, technical director of Bodegas Langa, also reveals a characteristic of his vineyard located in El Frasno that makes it unique. The “Jumandil” -a typical wind of the area that dries the leaves quickly- prevents fungi from proliferating when it rains because of the heat and humidity.

He is therefore quite enthusiastic about the 2023 vintage since it will produce wines with a distinctive individuality and a different flavor profile than previous ones. “This is what winemaking is all about, trying to bring the real picture of the field to the glass,” he concludes.

Despite the inclement weather experienced by the wine sector as a whole during 2023, César Langa -technical director of Bodegas Langa- has predicted that the quality of its Chardonnay variety will be exceptional, since the grapes have entered with impeccable health and ripening, with lots of color, which bodes excellent wines with great aromas.

He emphasizes that the Spanish drought is causing very rapid ripening with a slight decrease in the quantity of Chardonnay grapes harvested, which could represent a minor drop from the campaign last year. However, because the fruit is at the peak of its organoleptic properties, quality will not be impacted.

The harvest of their red varieties Merlot and Syrah, which is also far advanced compared to previous years, will continue at the beginning of September. However, they still do not have a date set for the harvest of their native red Grenache, which is usually collected well into autumn, being the latest harvest in Aragón and Spain.

Bodegas Langa therefore begins the harvest with optimism and the satisfaction of a job well done, despite a particularly dry year saved by the rains in June. Undoubtedly, if the forecast is fulfilled, they will delight us one more year with an excellent production of select aromatic white wines for exquisite palates.

From generation to generation, Bodegas Langa has been transmitting a deep respect and a great responsibility for the land that surrounds them, for its biodiversity, traditions, in short, for its heritage. These values have allowed them to make the most of the natural resources of their environment, creating a sustainable production plan that is not only focused on the production of their wines but also on the ecological sustainability of the entire ecosystem that makes up their wineries.

Year after year, they have worked to produce wines in harmony with the environment, pampering the almost indomitable soil that provides them with high quality native grapes, aware that sustainability is a concept that is becoming increasingly relevant in the wine industry, both for its environmental benefits and for the added value it brings to the end consumer, who is concerned about the preservation of the planet and responsible consumption.

Thus, Bodegas Langa has been adopting different measures to reduce its environmental impact and improve its energy efficiency, such as the use of renewable energies, waste management, water saving, biodiversity protection or organic farming. These actions not only contribute to preserving the natural environment and cultural heritage of the area, but also improve the quality and uniqueness of its wines, which are internationally recognized for their expression of terroir.

Their commitment to sustainability has also earned them several awards at the prestigious ‘Organic Wine Award International’ in recent years. This international organic wine competition has become one of the most important in the sector since its founding in 2009, with the PAR® testing system recognized worldwide, under the tutelage of sensory expert and tasting director Martin Darting. In its latest edition, held last May 2023 in Germany, Bodegas Langa was awarded two gold medals and a silver medal, proving that sustainability and excellence can go hand in hand.

Silver Medal: Cava Reyes de Aragón El Ceremonioso.
Gold Medal: Vino tinto Langa Frenesí 2022 and vino tinto Langa Mítico 2022.

The organic cava Reyes de Aragón ‘El Ceremonioso’ is an exceptional cava made with grapes from organic vineyards of the Chardonnay variety, resulting in a versatile version, ideal for pairing with appetizers, Asian cuisine, rice, pasta or even spicy dishes.

‘Langa Frenesí’ red wine is the exaltation of the natural, of the flavors of yesteryear, of pure and intense aromas. A real frenzy of organically produced varietal blends.

Finally, the ‘Langa Mítico’ red wine perfectly embodies the experience accumulated by five generations with the most modern production systems. The result is a modern and innovative wine, with well-integrated color, fruit and wood.

In a nutshell, Bodegas Langa’s strategic commitment to sustainability enables them to stand out in a crowded and competitive market and to satisfy customers who are more and more concerned with ethical consumption and environmental preservation.

The ‘Guía Peñin’ is an annual Spanish publication that provides – in addition to the scores of the best wines of the year – detailed information on the organoleptic characteristics, production, and price of each wine, as well as on the wineries, appellations of origin and wine-growing areas of Spain. It is the most extensively used resource by amateurs and professionals in the industry when purchasing Spanish wines as it is available in editions in Spanish, English, German, and Chinese.

This year, Bodegas Langa has seen four of its wines included in this internationally renowned guide, which is a recognition of the company’s long history, as well as the quality and innovation in the production of its wines.

Bodegas Langa is a family business with more than 150 years of history that has become a benchmark in the production of wines made from native grapes of the D.O. Calatayud, mainly Garnacha. Thanks to very particular climatic and geographical conditions, the wines of Bodegas Langa express the personality and character of the terroir, with a remarkable aromatic complexity as well as very modern and contemporary aromas.

The four references that have been included in the guide this year have been:

• Langa Classic, red wine, 2021, 91 Pts.
• Castillo de Ayud, red wine, 2021, 91 Pts.
• Marco Valerio, red wine, 2020, 90 Pts.
• Reyes de Aragón Premium, red wine, 2022, 90 Pts.

Having an excellent score in the Peñin Guide is a unique opportunity to promote the wines of a winery, as well as to highlight trends and developments in the industry. Bodegas Langa is therefore extremely happy that its efforts have once again been recognized, as well as the quality of its team, who works every day with passion and dedication to offer select, genuine and unique wines.

Bodegas Langa would like to thank the ‘Guía Peñin’ for their scores and for the confidence they have shown in their project year after year. Additionally, they extend an invitation to wine lovers to stop by its winery to taste all the wines that have earned honors so far this year and learn more about its philosophy.

On this occasion, 6 references have been awarded with an exceptional range of points by this wine expert, who has more than 40 years of expertise and a significant influence in the markets of the United States and Asia, mainly. Millions of wine lovers and professionals who fully trust his judgment and palate follow his scores. For this reason, waiting for the results of their awards is always so exciting for the wineries as being selected is a true honor, as well as a guarantee of the quality and excellence of their wines.

With more than 150 years of history, the family-run Bodegas Langa combines innovation, sustainability, and winemaking heritage. Its vineyards are located in the Calatayud Appellation of Origin, a privileged area for the cultivation of the Garnacha grape, which produces wines with great personality and character.

These wines from Bodegas Langa achieved outstanding results in the 2023 edition:

Cava Reyes De Aragón Gran Reserva Brut Nature 2018: 90 Pts.

Cava Reyes De Aragón Reserva Bruto: 90 Pts.

Garnacha Blanca Aragón Pi 2021: 90 Pts.

Concejon Pi 2021: 91 Pts.

Garnacha Centenaria Calatayud Marco Valerio Marcial 2021: 91 Pts.

Garnacha Ibérica Calatayud Sekeida 2021: 92 Pts.

Sekeida, which obtained the best score, is a red wine made with a lively and fruity Garnacha, with aromas of ripe black cherry and spices. It is long on the palate and presents a perfect balance between fruit and wood, making it ideal to accompany red meats and cured cheeses.

These awards are a boost for Bodegas Langa, which markets its wines in 36 countries around the world, with the United States, Germany and Asia currently being the most dynamic, with special mention for Asia, where it is becoming increasingly important with the recent opening of a shop in Xiamen, China, which will also serve as the company’s headquarters in the Asian country. As a result, these markets fall within the famous wine critic’s spheres of influence and will help Bodegas Langa to solidify their position there.

Since it was founded in 2004, the DWWA has become a must-attend event for wineries all around the world. It brings together the best experts in the sector -acknowledged Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers- with the aim of selecting and rewarding the quality and diversity of the most outstanding wines on the planet. For this reason, having been awarded four medals is a source of pride for the Langa family and a guarantee of excellence for the Aragonese winery.

The wines Langa Classic 2021, Sekeida Garnacha Ibérica 2021, and Pieza El Coll 2021, as well as the cava Reyes de Aragón Gran Reserva, which is already a classic in the competition, won with 90, 90, 91 and 90 points, respectively.

Langa Classic is a red wine from the Calatayud DO made from a Garnacha grape from centenary vineyards. Its aroma is powerful and fruity, with light notes of cherry fruit, leather aromatics, as well as hints of baking spice and leather. The palate is fresh and structured with a long finish. The result is a modern, contemporary and innovative wine that has become a regular winner in this competition.

Sekeida is a red wine with aromas of ripe black cherry and baking spice nose. On the palate, it is fresh with lively acidity, long and spicy, with a perfect balance between fruit and oak, and is perfect with red meats and aged cheeses.

The third award-winning wine, Pieza El Coll, is a red wine characterized by its aromatic intensity, with notes of ripe red fruits and spices. In the mouth, it is juicy, fresh and persistent, with ripe tannins and good acidity. It is ideal with meat dishes, stews, cured cheeses and cured meats.

Finally, the Reyes de Aragón needs almost no introduction. This high-quality cava is characterized by its golden color and offers a revitalizing aroma with a taste of fresh green apples complemented by a delicate note of toasted and an invigorating finish apple peel. It is ideal with fish, seafood, rice and white meat dishes, as well as desserts and cheeses.

These awards are a great recognition for Bodegas Langa, a family company with more than 150 years of history, which has managed to perfectly combine tradition with innovation and sustainability and position itself as one of the most recognized in Spain.