What is the wine scale and why does it matter?

The wine rating scale is a system used by critics, sommeliers, and wine experts to evaluate and classify the quality of a wine based on various criteria. This system helps establish standards that make it easier to compare different labels and allows consumers to make more informed decisions when buying or tasting wine. In general, these scales take into account aspects such as a wine’s aroma, flavor, balance, intensity, and aging potential.

Main rating systems

There are several internationally recognized rating scales. Among the most influential are the Parker scale (ranging from 50 to 100 points), the Peñín Guide (0 to 100), Wine Spectator (also based on 100 points), and Decanter (which uses both stars and a 100-point scale). Each one has its own methodology, but they all aim to provide an objective guide to the quality of the wine being evaluated.

How it impacts perception and value

A high score on any wine rating scale can significantly influence public perception, increase a wine’s commercial value, and even enhance its positioning in demanding markets. For boutique wineries like Viñas de la ERRE, being recognized by these scales can open doors to new audiences and strengthen the reputation of our artisanal wines from Valle de Guadalupe.

Most Widely Used Rating Scales in the Wine World

Parker Scale: Global and Commercial Influence

One of the most influential wine rating systems in the world is the one created by Robert Parker, the American wine critic and founder of The Wine Advocate. His scoring system ranges from 50 to 100 points, with wines rated above 90 considered premium wines. This rating not only influences consumer perception but also affects market positioning and the final price of the wine. A wine that achieves 95 Parker points can see a significant increase in international demand.

Peñín Guide: A Reference for Spanish Wines

The Peñín Guide is the most recognized publication in the Spanish-speaking wine world, with a strong focus on wines from Spain. It also uses a 50 to 100 point scale, emphasizing quality, typicity, and value for money. Wines scoring above 90 points in this guide are also classified as premium, and being featured in this guide serves as a major endorsement for domestic producers.

Other International Scales

Wine Spectator, Decanter, and James Suckling are other major authorities that use similar rating scales, reinforcing a global appreciation of wine based on shared technical and sensory parameters.

How to Read a Label: What Do the Scores Mean?

Interpreting Wine Scores

When you look at a wine bottle, it’s common to find a highlighted score whether on a sticker, medal, or the product’s technical sheet. These ratings, assigned by critics or specialized publications, help quickly identify the wine’s quality based on recognized standards.

Vintage-Specific Ratings

It’s important to note that these scores are generally assigned to specific vintages, not to the wine in general. This means that the same wine can receive different ratings depending on the year it was produced, due to variations in climate conditions, winemaking techniques, and barrel aging development.

Between Professional Assessment and Marketing Strategy

There is a clear distinction between official ratings issued by independent experts and figures used for marketing purposes. Sometimes wineries highlight internal or unverified ratings, so it’s advisable to cross-check information with trusted sources.

Visit, Learn, and See for Yourself

The best way to appreciate these differences is to visit wineries that communicate their ratings and processes with transparency as is the case with our high-end wines, where every detail speaks for itself.

Factors That Influence a Wine’s Rating

What Do Experts Evaluate?

Wine scores are not assigned at random; they are the result of a detailed sensory evaluation. Professional tasters assess elements such as aroma, looking for complexity and olfactory clarity; body, which refers to the wine’s structure and mouthfeel; and balance, which harmonizes acidity, tannins, sweetness, and alcohol.They also analyze persistence (how long the flavor lingers), typicity (whether the wine faithfully reflects its grape variety and origin), and complexity, understood as the richness of nuances perceived during tasting.

The Role of Terroir and Aging

Two key elements that directly impact these factors are the terroir the combination of climate, soil, and geography where the grapes are grown and the aging process, both in barrel and in bottle. A wine that has been well-crafted in these aspects tends to receive higher scores, especially in Reserva and Gran Reserva categories.

And What About Younger Wines?

A young red wine may not yet achieve high scores not due to a lack of quality, but because it hasn’t gone through aging processes that develop greater complexity.

How to Choose a Wine Based on the Scale: Tips to Get It Right

Matching the Choice to the Occasion

Understanding the wine rating scale allows you to make more accurate decisions depending on the moment. For an informal dinner or casual gatherings, wines rated between 85 and 89 points offer very good quality at accessible prices. On the other hand, for special celebrations or memorable moments, it's best to choose labels with 90 points or more, which are typically classified as high-end wines.

Digital Tools to Help You Decide

Today, many online stores and mobile apps such as Vivino, Wine Searcher, or even Google Shopping allow you to filter wines by rating, making it easier to find options that match your taste and budget. Just enter the wine name or apply filters by score and region.

Real Examples to Keep in Mind

A wine with 87 points can be perfect for a meal with friends, while a label with 94 points is often included in private collections or gourmet pairings.

Personalized Recommendations Based on Your Palate

We understand that everyone experiences wine in their own way. At Viñas de la ERRE, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all labels we believe in guiding each palate toward its ideal expression. Here are a few suggestions to help you discover the perfect wine according to your taste:

If you prefer smooth, fruity, and easy-drinking wines

You’ll love our young red wine. It’s vibrant, fresh, and perfect for those looking for a light glass to pair with cheeses, charcuterie, or a relaxed afternoon in good company.

If you seek more structure, complexity, and depth

Then your path lies in our premium wine labels, where barrel aging, careful grape selection, and deep respect for the terroir come together to offer more serious and memorable wines.

If you value exclusivity and wine as a form of art

Explore our line of high-end wines, crafted for those who enjoy wine with intention, attention to detail, and a passion for the exceptional.

Mini Guide: How to Taste a Wine According to Its Score

At Viñas de la ERRE, we believe that every wine tells a story and its score can give you clues about what to expect in each glass. Here’s a practical guide to help you approach each type of wine based on its rating:

85–89 points: Balance, freshness, and everyday enjoyment

These are well-crafted wines with good fruit expression and structure. Perfect for an afternoon with friends or a casual dinner. We suggest pairing them with our artisanal cheese board while enjoying the view from our tasting bar.

90–94 points: Complexity and elegance

In this range, you’ll find wines with greater depth, smoother tannins, more defined aromas, and a persistent finish. Ideal for celebrations, guided tastings, or pairings with meats, refined pastas, or seasonal dishes.

95+ points: Collectible and age-worthy wines

This level represents the exceptional. Wines that have been recognized by international critics for their complexity, longevity, and unique character.

Beyond the Score, There’s the Experience

At Viñas de la ERRE, we understand that scores and ratings are valuable tools for those seeking guidance in the vast world of wine. However, we also know that the true value of a bottle comes from the heart with which it was crafted, the place where it was grown, and the memories it helps to create.

Our wines from the young red to our premium and high-end labels reflect the essence of Valle de Guadalupe, the care of a passionate family, and the respect for each grape variety.We don’t make wine to chase a score, but to offer you an authentic, honest, and memorable experience.

We invite you to discover each of our wines with an open mind and a glass in hand. Because beyond the score, what truly matters is finding a wine that feels like home. And if you have any questions or want a personalized recommendation, feel free to reach out through our contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wine Scale

What defines a high-end wine at Viñas de la ERRE?

A high-end wine reflects excellence in every detail from selecting vineyard plots with high oenological potential to hand-harvesting, micro-vinification, and the use of French oak barrels. At Viñas de la ERRE, each label is born from dedication, low intervention, and a strong focus on quality, offering elegance, complexity, and aging potential.

What’s included in a premium wine experience?

Our premium experiences combine limited-production wines, guided tastings by certified sommeliers, and pairings designed by chefs. We also offer vertical tastings, terroir comparisons, and private tours, all in a setting designed to explore Valle de Guadalupe through the glass.

Can beginners enjoy high-end wines?

Yes. At Viñas de la ERRE, we tailor our experiences to all levels. We offer smooth introductions to wine, curated grape variety selections ideal for beginners, and step-by-step guidance for tasting and identifying aromas all in a relaxed and educational environment.

What types of high-end wines do you offer?

We offer a balanced collection of reds, whites, and rosés. The reds are structured and complex; the whites are barrel-fermented with mineral notes; and the rosés are fresh and full of character. All are crafted in small batches, reflecting the identity of our terroir and adhering to demanding winemaking standards.

How can I book a premium experience at Viñas de la ERRE?

You can book directly through our high-end wines page, where you'll find tasting options, pairings, private visits, and wine tours in the heart of Valle de Guadalupe.