Decanter magazine, the British wine magazine with worldwide circulation, published its Best Sparkling and Red wines of the Year list in its January edition.

The Blanquette de Limoux made by Chateau Rives-Blanques featured in the No 6 slot of the sparkling wines, and was also Decanter’s Value Sparkling Wine of the Year. It was given an aggregate score of 93 points by the judges, and was proposed for the tasting by Rosemary George MW.

“There hasn’t been much to celebrate in the past twelve months”  Decanter said, “But in challenging times, great wines can always lift the spirits.”

“This tasting is all about experts – who really understand the varieties and wine styles of their regions – choosing wines they love, and that makes it an unique tasting,’ explained Decanter’s Beth Willard. ‘We’ve had an incredibly broad range across two days of tasting: some classics, some unusual varieties, and some varieties from regions where you wouldn’t expect to find them. And in general, all of these Wines of the Year, at all price points, have broad appeal.’

They described the Blanquette as “A great expression of Limoux sparkling with the green-apple character of the Mauzac grape coming through. Drink 2021-2026”, they said, awarding it a “V” for its good value.