El Hierro’s HM Las Vetas 2019 has won the Gran Bacchus de Oro 2024 at the XVII International Competition of Wines, Vermouths, and Spirits, organized by the Spanish Tasters’ Union.
Prestigious Award for El Hierro Wine
Around 1,900 wines from 18 countries entered the competition, held from 15 to 19 April at the Casino de Madrid, where more than 100 expert tasters from 28 countries participated in blind tastings. The highest distinction, Gran Bacchus de Oro, was awarded to 73 wines, including 52 from Spain.
Other Island Wines Recognized
Ten other wines from the Canary Islands received the Bacchus Gold Award. Among the winners were:
- Pagos de Reverón Blanco Seco Mavi 2023 (Bodega Reverón, DOP Abona)
- Vera Pinto 2021 (Bodega El Mirador de Adra, DOP El Hierro)
- Gran Salmor Blanco Dulce 2017 (Sociedad Cooperativa del Campo Frontera, DOP El Hierro)
- Esencia Yaiza 2023 (SAT Vega De Yuco, DOP Lanzarote)
- CAN 2022 (Bodegas Tajinaste S. L., PDO Valle de La Orotava)
- Canari and Malvasía Lías 2018 (Bodega El Grifo S.A., PDO Lanzarote)
Humboldt Vermouth Also Awarded
The Humboldt vermouth, made by Bodegas Insulares de Tenerife, also received the Bacchus de Oro. This vermouth, made with a base of Humboldt Tinto 2001 and a blend of 15 botanicals, pays tribute to the scientist Alexander von Humboldt. It is ideal as an aperitif with an 18% alcohol content.
El Hierro’s Wine Gems
In May 2018, a tasting event organized by the Cabildo of El Hierro introduced HM Las Vetas among other local wine gems. Guided by esteemed oenologists María Isabel Mijares, Mar Romero, and Alberto González, the event showcased the unique and bold characteristics of El Hierro wines. HM Las Vetas, made with white verijadiego, gual, and listán grapes, aged in 170-year-old rum casks from Cuba, epitomizes the island’s rich winemaking heritage and distinctive terroir.
