Our Top Producers of 2022: Beyond France

Tom Baxter | September 28, 2023

Whilst the vineyards of France hold an undeniable place in our hearts, they are by no stretch the only ones on the other side of the pond that make them sing. As we stock up on inventory ahead of the busy, exciting end of the year, we at Sotheby’s Wine are also celebrating our top-performing European producers from beyond France from 2022. It is hoped that, with the attention they deserve, some might once again find their way into your cellar at this time of year!

Portugal: Luis Seabra

Those who follow the dynamic winemaking scene of Portugal’s Douro Valley will likely have encountered the affable and immensely talented Luis Seabra. His highly site-expressive and textural wines were a hit amongst visitors to 1334 York Avenue last year and we continue to propose the fresh, vibrant and ‘Village’ level equivalent (in Burgundian terms) Xisto Illimitado Branco (white) and Tinto (red). Produced from varieties indigenous to this great and ancient valley, their sheer versatility and food-friendly nature are sure to please.

Spain: Vega Sicilia, CVNE

Perhaps unsurprisingly to some, the two northerly pillars of the Spanish wine landscape (Rioja and Ribera del Duero) are the respective homes of our highlighted producers of 2022. Bodegas Vega Sicilia is renowned for its collectability and staying power – we are pleased to continue offering the plush, charming Valbuena 2017 and the thriving Rioja project ‘Macán’ in collaboration with Edmond de Rothschild. Elsewhere, CVNE’s 2016 Gran Reserva is simply hard to beat for value. Having recently enjoyed a 1976 from this bodega, I can personally attest to the ageing potential of the wines and the screaming value for money that they offer.

Italy: Gaja, Giacomo Conterno, Ornellaia

Italy left us with no shortage of contenders for most-adored producers last year. Beginning in Piemonte, the cult classic Gaja retained a not-uncommon podium position. Two fine ways to refamiliarise yourself with the style of this great house come in the form of the sun-kissed, generous Costa Russi 2015 and the powerful, baronial Conteisa 2017.

Over in Monforte d’Alba and up in Gattinara, the estate and projects of Giacomo Conterno struck a chord with everyone from rosé lovers to Barolo collectors. The floral, brooding Barbera 2015 from the esteemed Ceretta cru and the pure, brilliant Gattinara 2019 are impressive chances to see just why.

Lastly, a celebration of Italy’s very best would be remiss to omit Ornellaia. The great Bolgheri Superiore never fails to entice, be it in the auction room or on our shelves. The fine-grained and beautifully textured 2020 is still available for purchase, along with the Italian answer to Pessac-Léognan that is Ornellaia Bianco.

Curious to learn more about these producers? These selections are without doubt the place to start. If a personal visit or phone call might work better for you, you know where to find our team of Specialists and we’ll be only too happy to hear from you!