In possibly the biggest overhaul we've ever done of one country, Spain has moved from an Alliance also-ran into one of our most dynamic, innovative and exciting ranges.
So, why all the fuss about Spain? Well, the last couple of years have seen major successes with our Luis Canas and Bodegas Veracruz ranges from Rioja and Rueda respectively. Coupled with that, there has been a massive ground-swell of interest in all things Hispanic - from food to drink to film and music.
One only has to visit Spain for a brief period to realise that this is a country going through a vinous revolution. Cooperative wineries, previously happy to make wines suitable only for the less than picky local lushes, are now striving to produce world class wines. An industry renowned throughout the world for its traditional reds and oh so forgettable whites, is now making modern, stylish reds and world beating Sauvignon and Verdejo based whites. It is an energised industry that commentators such as Parker have suggested will be the most exciting country in the world to buy wine.
The roll call of our new producers is, even though we say it ourselves, pretty impressive. Two new producers in Rioja, one of which being the hugely respected Remelluri. Two producers in Priorat, one of which will actually provide affordable drinking from this previously aspirational appellation. Then we've got stylish new additions from Ribera del Duero, Cariñena and yet more enticingly crisp Rueda whites.
It all adds up to one of the finest Spanish portfolios around and we're quite likely to build on this selection in order to make us market leaders. We hope we'll get a chance to sample some of these Iberian gems with you in the near future... |
