Harpers

8 th April 2005

Spain Preview

The Reign of Spain

Harpers highlights the offerings at the 2005 Wines from Spain generic tasting.

New Alliance

Alliance Wine has recently completed a major review of its Spanish range and, as a result, will be showing wines from eight new producers at this year's tasting, alongside three of its longstanding suppliers. To complement existing Rioja supplier Bodegas Luis Cañas, Alliance Wine has secured the UK agency for Remelluri and for Finca Manzanos. Alvarez y Dìez of Rueda has also moved distribution to Alliance Wine, and the latest vintages of the Mantel Blanco range will be available to taste, as will the gold medal winning new venture Ermita Veracruz. From Navarra comes Finca Lasierpe, with a wide range from entry level to the special selection Flor de Lasierpe. Bodegas Anadas is new from Cariñena, while Cillar de Silos is undoubtedly one of the rising stars of Ribera Del Duero', according to a spokesperson.

Alliance Wine is also adding two Priorat producers, Giné & Giné makes a range of wines starting at under £10 retail, while Cellars de la Cartoixa makes top-quality wines typical of the region.