Best Western European Beverage Types
Brunello di Montalcino is a red Italian wine produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino in the Tuscany wine region. Though it was initially considered to be made from a separate grape variety named Brunello, it was later discovered that the grape used in the production of the wine is in fact Sangiovese.
Regarded as one of the most renowned Italian wines, Brunello di Montalcino was awarded the designation of origin (DOCG), and it is produced with 100% Sangiovese grapes. At first, it comes off as juicy and spicy, with notes of oregano and balsamic, and it may develop strong aromas of cherry and leather.
Baga is a red grape variety mostly used in the Portuguese Bairrada appellation. This dark-skinned grape can produce wines of various characters, but until the 1980s, most producers used it for inexpensive bulk wines. When the approach and the techniques were adjusted, it was shown that Baga is able to produce excellent quality wines with great aromatic structure, good acidity, and firm tannins.
Baga wines are built for long aging and significantly benefit from the time spent in the bottle. The powerful tannins will tone down, and the aromas usually gain some elegance and complexity. Young Baga wines will have aromas of red berries and fruit, which may evolve into more complex expressions of tobacco, plums, and coffee.
This full-bodied, red wine is made from Nebbiolo grapes in a small area in Piedmont with a unique soil and climate conditions. It has been produced since the 19th century, and soon after its invention, it became a favorite among the Italian and European nobility.
According to Italian DOCG regulations, Barolo needs to matured for at least 36 months, while those aged for five years carry the prestigious Riserva label. It is a robust, but elegant wine, which is very high in tannins that soften with aging.
THE BEST Barolo Wine Appellations
Vintage Port is a style made from the best grapes of a single year harvest. It is considered the most prestigious and the highest quality port style. Vintage is not produced every year, but only when port houses decide that the wine is of sufficient quality.
Vintages make only about 2% of all port production, and in the best years, all port houses will declare a Vintage. The decision to declare a Vintage can be made after Portugal’s Port Wine Institute had approved it. Vintages are barrel-aged for two to three years and are not filtered before they are bottled.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the largest and the most important appellation in the southern part of the Rhône Valley that comprises of five communes. Most Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are predominantly red blends, with a small percentage of whites.
Officially eighteen grape varieties are allowed, including different colors of the same grape variety. However, the most common are Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault grapes. These rich wines can greatly differ in style, but they are mainly characterized by the spicy and earthy aromas of red berries, black pepper, tar, and leather.
THE BEST Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Appellations
Domaine de la Solitude
2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vin de la Solitude Red
James Suckling - 99 points 2024
This French wine region is located in the Loire Valley (Touraine district), and it is known for the production of varietal white wines that are predominantly produced from Chenin Blanc. Although the appellation also includes sparkling and dessert wines, Vouvray is mostly known for their crisp dry wines (sec).
These wines are characterized by their straw yellow color, vibrant acidity, and complex aromas that typically include floral, citrus, and white fruit notes. Dry Vouvray wines have excellent aging potential. With age, they evolve, but remain fresh, aromatic, and lively, while their aromas may develop into ripe white fruit, almonds, and hazelnuts.
Cahors is a French wine region where the principal grape is Malbec, with small percentages of Tannat and Merlot. Although Malbec is nowadays primarily associated with Argentinian Mendoza region, the grape originated in France, but in the 1950s, it was almost entirely wiped out by frost.
Cahors now remains as the only French region that produces Malbec-based wines. Often dubbed as black due to their dark purple color, young wines from Cahors are powerful and rich in tannins, and they typically display aromas of dark fruit and spices.
Burgundy is a world-famous French wine region that produces some of the best and most expensive wines in the world. Located in the east-central part of France, the area is dominated by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Other red and white grapes such as Aligoté, Pinot Gris, or Gamay are also used, but on a much lower scale.
Burgundy has more than 100 approved wine-growing areas, all regulated by a complex quality system that divides the region into grand cru, premier cru, village wines, and regional appellations. The wines are greatly influenced by terroir and show great diversity in flavors and aromas.
THE BEST Burgundy Wine Appellations
Ribera del Duero is a Spanish appellation located in several provinces of Castilla and Leon, in north-central Spain. The region is best known for big and bold varietals made with Tempranillo, also known as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais.
The blends have to include 75% Tempranillo, while other permitted varieties include Garnacha, white Albillo, and international varieties Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ribera del Duero wines are built to age. With time, they develop complexity and become more balanced.
Most of the wines are deeply colored, full-bodied, and well-structured with bright acidity and aromas of ripe fruit, vanilla, and spices. Aging requirements are similar to those in Rioja. Crianza is the youngest, aged for two years and 12 months in oak. Reserva labels are aged at least three years with at least 12 months in oak, and the Gran Reservas have to be aged for five years, including two years of oak aging.
Primitivo is an Italian grape variety with quite interesting origins. Research conducted in 1994 proved that the grape is identical to Californian Zinfandel, while it was later discovered that both grapes originated from an old and obscure Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski.
Despite the same lineage, these grapes are influenced by their terroir, and they can slightly differ in character. In Italy, Primitivo is mostly cultivated in Apulia, where it is used in the appellation Primitivo di Manduria. Primitivo is a somewhat rustic wine, dark, intense, and rich in tannins that tend to mellow with age.
VARIATIONS OF Primitivo
Best Western European Beverage Producers
Plantation Rum is a distinguished rum brand known for producing high-quality spirits with a focus on traditional craftsmanship and distinctive flavors. It is part of the Maison Ferrand family, a renowned producer of fine spirits, including cognac.
Plantation Rum is sourced from various regions around the world, including the Caribbean and Central America, where it is distilled using time-honored methods and aged in a combination of tropical and European barrels to enhance its complexity and character.
Plantation Rum is celebrated for its range of expressions, from rich, spiced varieties to more delicate, fruity offerings. The rum is crafted to highlight the unique characteristics of the sugarcane and the aging process, with each bottle reflecting the terroir of its origin.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
The Rum & Cachaça Masters - Gold
2023, 2022
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2023, 2022, 2019
BEST Plantation Rum Spirits
Distilleria Sibona is one of the oldest distilleries in the Piedmont region, located in the heart of Roero. It is renowned for its artisanal production of grappa, utilizing fresh pomace from prestigious local wineries. Sibona holds a unique historical distillation license and prides itself on its deep connection to traditional methods while incorporating modern techniques to ensure high-quality products.
Their grappa is aged in various types of barrels, including those used for sherry, port, and whiskey, enhancing the flavor profile and creating distinctive spirits.
AWARDS
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2020
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2022, 2021, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
BEST Distilleria Sibona Spirits
Torres Brandy is a renowned Spanish producer of high-quality brandies and spirits, based in Vilafranca del Penedès, Barcelona. The brand is part of the Torres family legacy, which has been dedicated to winemaking and distillation for generations since 1928.
They are recognized for blending tradition with innovation, producing premium spirits crafted from select white wines and aged meticulously in oak barrels. Their product portfolio includes various expressions of brandy, such as Torres 10, Torres 15, Torres 20, and Jaime I, each representing distinct levels of aging and complexity.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2023
BEST Miguel Torres Spirits
Ferrand Cognac is a prestigious and renowned producer of high-quality cognac, based in the heart of the Cognac region in France. Founded in 1989 by Alexandre Gabriel, Ferrand is dedicated to producing premium, artisanal cognac using traditional methods and the finest ingredients.
The brand is known for its focus on craftsmanship, blending heritage with innovation, creating some of the most refined and well-respected cognacs in the world. Ferrand Cognac uses grapes from the renowned Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne crus, the top-rated regions in Cognac production.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
The Cognac Masters - Gold
2022
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy
2014
BEST Ferrand Cognac Spirits
Domaine Grand Comté, located in Roquelaure in the Gers department of southwestern France, is a family-owned estate managed by Michel Baylac and his daughter Aurélie, continuing a legacy dating back to 1860. The estate spans 15 hectares of vineyards planted on clay-limestone soils typical of the Haut-Armagnac terroir, and operates under sustainable farming practices that respect the environment.
Domaine Grand Comté produces a range of high-quality beverages, including IGP Côtes de Gascogne wines (red, rosé, and white), traditional Floc de Gascogne aperitifs, and aged Armagnac. The estate also offers sparkling wines crafted through traditional fermentation methods.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
BEST Domaine Du Grand Comte Spirits
ABK6 Cognac is a prestigious brand created in 2005 by Francis Abécassis. The name "ABK6" is a condensed version of the family name and represents the fusion of tradition and modernity. The brand focuses on producing Single Estate Cognac, meaning the entire process, from vineyard cultivation to bottling, is handled on their own estate.
This ensures a unique and high-quality product that reflects the expertise of their Master Blender. ABK6's offerings include a wide range of cognacs, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail and respect for tradition.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2021, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2020, 2019
BEST ABK6 Cognac Spirits
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2022, 2021
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2023, 2021, 2019
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2020, 2019
BEST Château de Meursault Wines
Established in 1820, Pereira D’Oliveira today is run by Anibal, Luis and Filipe D’Oliveira, the fifth generation of the family and the direct descendants of Joao Pereira d’Oliveira who founded the company. Their philosophy is to produce wines of the highest possible quality with experience acquired over two centuries of wine making.
Above all their aim is to produce wines of exceptional balance – powerful and textured with wonderful aromatic complexity, yet balanced by freshness.
AWARDS
Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018
Portugal Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2019
BEST Pereira d'Oliveira Vinhos Wines
AWARDS
Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024, 2022
BEST Caseificio Storico Amatrice Wines
Fundador is a distinguished Spanish brandy producer, renowned for crafting the first Brandy de Jerez. Established in 1730, it stands as the oldest bodega in Jerez, Spain, with a rich history spanning nearly three centuries. The brand's legacy began in 1874 when it introduced Fundador, the inaugural Spanish brandy, marking a significant milestone in the spirits industry.
Over the years, Fundador has maintained its commitment to quality and tradition, producing brandies aged in Sherry Casks that previously held some of the finest sherry wines. Today, Fundador continues to be a leader in the production and exportation of Brandy de Jerez, offering a diverse range of products that honor its storied heritage while embracing innovation.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2022, 2021, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2023, 2020, 2019
BEST Fundador Spirits
Best Western European Beverages
Torres 20 Hors d'Age is a premium Spanish brandy, renowned for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. It is aged using the solera method, with oak barrels contributing to its rich complexity. The brandy features a velvety texture and flavors of dried fruits, vanilla, spices, and toasted wood.
Its aroma is elegant, offering notes of caramel, nuts, and subtle oak. This luxurious spirit is ideal for special occasions or as a thoughtful gift for brandy connoisseurs.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024, 2023
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Brandy Gold Trophy
2023
Depaz Reserve Speciale VSOP is a premium aged rum crafted in Martinique, made from fresh sugarcane juice grown on the fertile volcanic soil of Mount Pelée. This VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) rum is aged for at least four years in small oak barrels, which impart rich and complex flavors of vanilla, dried fruits, and spices.
It has a smooth, well-rounded taste with a subtle smokiness and a long, warm finish, making it an excellent choice for sipping or using in refined cocktails.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2021, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Rum Gold Trophy
2021
London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
The Rum & Cachaça Masters - Gold
2022
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2022, 2021
The Grappa Riserva in Botti da Madeira by Distilleria Sibona is a premium spirit aged in Madeira wine barrels, which imparts unique and refined flavors. This grappa has undergone a double aging process, first in traditional oak barrels and then in Madeira barrels, adding rich notes of dried fruit, spices, and a delicate sweetness.
The result is a well-balanced, smooth grappa with a lingering and complex finish, ideal for connoisseurs who appreciate nuanced and sophisticated spirits.
AWARDS
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2020
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2023, 2022, 2021
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Brandy Gold Trophy
2022
The ABK6 XO Renaissance Cognac is a luxurious and finely crafted cognac, showcasing the exceptional quality of single estate production. Aged for an extended period, it features a deep amber hue and a rich aromatic profile with notes of dried fruits, spices, vanilla, and toasted oak.
On the palate, it is smooth and full-bodied, offering a harmonious balance of sweetness and complexity with hints of honey, cinnamon, and subtle floral undertones. Perfect for savoring neat, this cognac embodies elegance and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for connoisseurs.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2021, 2019
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2020
Vodka by Blackleaf Organic is a premium organic vodka crafted with a focus on quality, sustainability, and pure ingredients. Produced by Blackleaf, it stands out due to its organic certification, meaning it is made using organically grown grains and distilled with eco-friendly processes.
This vodka is designed for those who appreciate a clean, smooth spirit, free from artificial additives or preservatives. The production process involves multiple distillations, ensuring purity and a refined taste that highlights the natural characteristics of the ingredients.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
The Cognac Martell XO is a premium expression from the renowned Martell House, showcasing their mastery in crafting exceptional cognac. This Extra Old blend combines eaux-de-vie from the prestigious Grande Champagne and Borderies regions, resulting in a complex and refined character.
It features a rich bouquet of dried fruits, spices, and toasted oak, with a smooth, velvety texture on the palate and a lingering, elegant finish. Perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious gift, Martell XO embodies sophistication and timeless quality.
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
SWSC - Singapore World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
The Cognac Masters - Gold
2022
Grappa Riserva Botti da Rum by Distilleria Sibona is a unique grappa aged in barrels previously used for aging rum, which imparts distinctive, exotic flavors to the spirit. The rum barrel aging adds rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and tropical fruits, enhancing the natural smoothness of the grappa.
This combination results in a well-balanced, full-bodied spirit with a complex yet harmonious flavor profile. Ideal for those who appreciate a grappa with depth and character, this reserve offers a warm and lingering finish with subtle sweetness from the rum barrels.
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2021
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2019
London Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
A tribute to the character created by Charles Dickens in the Pickwick Papers, Reverend Stiggins, whose favorite drink was “pineapple rum.” The barks of Victoria pineapples are infused in Plantation 3 Stars rum, which is then further distilled. Separately, the pineapple fruit is infused in Plantation Original Dark rum.
Both distillate and fruit infusion are finally blended together, creating a rich and delicious pineapple bouquet, accented by smoky and clove notes.
AWARDS
The Rum & Cachaça Masters - Gold
2023
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2020
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2020
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2024
Italian Cheese Awards - Nominee
2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Italian Cheese Awards - ICA
2019
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 Western European Beverages” list until March 13, 2025, 13,693 ratings were recorded, of which 10,988 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.