The Navarrese village of 400 inhabitants that hides the best white wine of 2026: “It has 98 points”

Imagine a village with more wineries than bars. A place of barely 400 inhabitants where the air smells of rosemary and the ground hides a liquid treasure that has just brought international critics to their knees.

We're talking about San Martín de Unx, in Navarre. If you don't have this name on your radar for getaways in 2026, you're making a mistake your taste buds won't forgive you for (and I say that from experience).

The Navarrese tsunami that has left Tim Atkin speechless

The news has spread like wildfire through sommelier groups around the world. The Navarra Top 100 2026 report, authored by the prestigious Beth Willard for Tim Atkin MW's platform, has crowned this small town as the epicenter of current winemaking talent.

This isn't a subjective opinion; it's pure data. Three of the top awards have gone to the winegrowers of the San Martín de Unx Vineyards and Wineries Association. This isn't luck; it's a true winemaking revolution.

The true jewel in the crown has a storm-like name: Huracán Daniela Cuvée 2021, from Gonzalo Celayeta Wines, has achieved 98 points. It is the best white wine in the entire report.

What does a 98-point wine taste like?

If you're wondering what makes this Huracán Daniela so special, the answer lies in the amphora. It's a masterful blend of Garnacha Blanca, Chardonnay, and Viura that rests for seven months in clay before being aged in oak barrels. (Yes, we're also itching to uncork a bottle right now.)

Beth Willard highlights its mineral salinity and a final touch of mint that is pure distinction. But it's not the only success. The "Female Armada" of San Martín de Unx has rightfully taken command of the sector.

María Abete, of Bodegas Máximo Abete, has been named Winemaker of the Year. Her career is a lesson in consistency and love for the land. Meanwhile, the very young Sara Valencia, of Casa Genara, takes the title of Young Winemaker of the Year. The message is clear: the future of Navarrese wine is being written by women, and in this region.

Garnacha Engineering: Why is it different?

The key to its success lies in the Lower Mountains. Here, the vines grow between 400 and 750 meters above sea level, defying poor sandstone soils. The result is what experts call "The Wine of Aromas."

Don't expect heavy wines. Here, Garnacha tastes of undergrowth, lavender, and fresh red fruit. It's an aromatic explosion so recognizable you could identify it with your eyes closed. It's, quite simply, a unique winemaking identity that has captivated British critics.

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In total, 17 wines from this municipality appear in the Top 100 with scores no lower than 93 points. This remarkable consistency places the Navarra Designation of Origin at the heart of the global conversation.

The "golden mile" you must visit before it gets crowded

Behind these numbers are people like Julián Palacios, winegrower and president of the association, who has spent years arguing that this is not just a town with vineyards, but a territory with a soul.

The density of talent per square meter is so high that it's no longer a coincidence. In 2024, Gonzalo Celayeta was named Winegrower of the Year, and in 2025, Palacios himself. Three consecutive years at the top confirm that something magical is happening on these 500 hectares of production.

Expert tip: If you want to try the G de Genara 2024 or the Guerinda Parcelas de Garnacha, hurry. After these 97 and 98 point ratings, stocks are going to fly off the shelves of specialist shops.

Your next must-see stop

If you're looking for authentic experiences, San Martín de Unx is your destination. It's not just about drinking wine; it's about understanding why a community of 400 people has decided that its winemaking heritage is its best calling card to the world.

Reading about it is the first step. The second is to fill your glass and discover why aromatic Garnacha is the new obscure object of desire for collectors. Are you ready to uncover Navarra's best-kept secret?

It seems the market has already passed judgment: excellence is not about size, but about roots and passion.