Q&A: Alvaro Palacios

Álvaro Palacios has done more than most to show the world what Spanish terroir has to offer. Andrew Catchpole speaks to the winemaker Alvaro Palacios, Descendientes De J Palacios and Bodegas Palacios Remondo about what drives his passion

Rioja 2018 given the thumbs up from the DOCa despite weather woes

The Rioja vintage for 2018 has been classified as ‘Good’ despite the uncertainty around the impact of unpredictable weather conditions on the region.

Alavesa name change to Euskadi to boost ‘weight and identity’ of Basque Rioja

The Rioja Alavesa Association (ABRA) has voted in favour of a name change to Association of Bodegas de Euskadi (ABE), while expanding its remit to all interested Basque wine producers.

Gramona president says Spanish fizz is in danger of becoming too splintered

The co-owner of family-owned Cava producer, Gramona, has voiced concerns over the fragmenting state of his country’s sparkling industry after too many designations have sprung up delineating Spanish fizz.

Risky business in Rioja

Rioja’s new single-vineyard classification signals the region’s desire to go after greater premium market share. The big question is, will it succeed? 

González Byass acquires Ribera del Duero winery Fournier

González Byass has acquired Ribera del Duero winery Fournier for an undisclosed sum.

Armit releases ‘crown jewel’ Rioja

Armit Wines has announced the release of the third Gran Reserva from La Rioja Alta SA - Viña Arana Gran Reserva 2012, making La Rioja Alta one of only a few wineries in the region to have three Gran Reserva wines on the market.

ARAEX brings ‘super-premium’ focus to Rioja Alavesa

Spanish wine group ARAEX Grands has unveiled a €300 Rioja from Alavesa in a move to create an iconic wine from the sub-region.

Hallgarten adds Bodegas Resalte de Peñafiel to Spanish portfolio

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has added Ribera del Duero producer Bodegas Resalte de Peñafiel to its Spanish portfolio.  

Amathus strengthens Priorat and Montsant

Amathus Drinks has expanded its Spanish portfolio with the addition of two new Catalonian producers: Celler l’Encastell from Priorat and Celler Masroig from Montsant.

Wines from Spain announces 2019 tasting programme

Wines from Spain has said 59 “leading importers and exporters” will present their Spanish wine portfolios to the UK trade and press at its annual tasting at London’s Sky Garden on 7 March.

Justerini & Brooks to distribute Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez in UK

Justerini & Brooks has added Bodegas y Viñedos Raúl Pérez to its portfolio.

Wines from Spain turns focus on biodynamic and organic

Wines from Spain has revealed it is adding a green twist to its annual tasting this year with a planned focus on the country’s organic and sustainable winemaking.

Q&A: Meritxell Juvé, chief executive, Juvé & Camps

Unlocking Rioja’s potential

Rioja’s Viñedos Singulares classification is a major step towards elevating the region’s status, writes Tim Atkin MW.

Rioja’s Consejo Regulador is the oldest in Spain, a body that owes its existence to a Royal Decree, no less, of October 22, 1926. From the start, the Consejo’s mandate included the right to take legal measures against “usurpers and counterfeiters of the Rioja brand”, as well as to issue production seals, demarcate the region and decide on its future direction.

Highbury Vintners and Hennings Wine win Shop Rioja

This year’s Shop Rioja initiative delivered a collective sales uplift of 81% during October for the 61 retailers taking part, with Highbury Vintners and Hennings Wine taking top spot.

Rioja picks its leading lights for night of celebration

Raul Diaz, Bar 44 and Corks Out were some of the big winners at last night’s Rioja Recognises awards, which singles out the top ambassadors flying the flag for Spain’s flagship wine region.

Viña Pomal unveils classic Rioja with a modern twist

Viña Pomal has unveiled a new wine positioned as a classic Rioja with a modern style.

Artadi joins Pol Roger

Pol Roger Portfolio has announced it will be distributing the wines of Spanish producer Bodegas Artadi, bringing the full range to the UK from November 1.

The Wine Scholar Guild adds Spanish programme to scholarship portfolio

The Wine Scholar Guild has added a Spain specific programme to its portfolio of scholarships developed for wine educators.