Bibendum introduces exclusive sherries after extensive search

By Emily Kearns

Published: 08 April, 2013

Bibendum has launched its first exclusive sherries for over a decade after searching for more than two years.

Nine sherries have been added to the portfolio from three different producers: Lustau in Jerez, Bodegas Delgado Zuleta in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and Bodegas Alvear from Montilla-Moriles.

Stuart Grundy, Director of Buying for the northern hemisphere, said: "We had been looking for the right partnership for a long time and then, rather like London buses, three fantastic opportunities came along at once.

"What is particularly pleasing is the way the producers complement each other. Lustau brings the very best of Jerez, including the superb La Ina brand; Delgado Zuleta, with its Rodriguez La Cave label, is one of the finest producers of manzanilla; and Alvear makes incredible, unique wines that really showcase the brilliance of the Montilla-Moriles region."

Bibendum's partnership with Lustau sees it take over distribution of three established brands that Lustau acquired from Domecq in 2008: La Ina Fino, Botaina Dry Amontillado and Rio Viejo Dry Oloroso.

It is importing three outstanding manzanillas from the family-owned Delgado Zuleta: Barbiana Manzanilla and Goyesco Amontillado, which are sold under the Rodriguez La Cave label, and the Delgado Zuleta Manzanilla Goya XL En Rama.

Also family-owned, Bodegas Alvear is the oldest winery in Montilla-Moriles and is famed for its intense Pedro Ximénez sweet wines - Bibendum is importing two of them along with a fino.

Bibendum managing director Michael Saunders said: "Our customers are constantly challenging us to find new, interesting wines and this trio of new producers certainly meets that requirement. These additions give us a brilliant range of traditional sherries, as well as some unique wines that will really excite consumers and help bring the category to an ever greater audience.

"We have already seen strong interest from both the on-trade and independent merchants, and expect these wines to be a huge success."

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