Wines from Spain: Up close and personal

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 15 April, 2016

One thing that stuck out from the 27^th Wines from Spain fair yesterday was the level of diversity of wines coming out of regions across the country.

The 60-plus exhibitors packed into the hall at Wapping's trendy Tobacco Dock included everyone from small wineries looking for importers to the big players looking to launch a new product.

We caught up with three different exhibitors who we felt exemplified the diversity at the fair to find out what they were hoping to take away from the event.

Pernod Ricard UK

Global drinks giant Pernod Ricard were debuting a new grape variety, Tempranillo Blanco, introducing a white into their Campo Viejo range.

It is due to launch in Sainsbury's and Tesco at the end of the month.

Brand manager Carlotta Colkins explained: "It's a completely new grape variety which only exists in Rioja. It passed regulation back in 2007. Since then, we've been planting the grape in different areas and finding out what works.

"Tempranillo is at the heart of the brand so we're really excited about finally launching it."

Brand manager Carlotta Colkins from Pernod Ricard UK Brand manager Carlotta Colkins from Pernod Ricard UK

Moreno Wines

Fresh from being bought by investment company In Vino, Spanish specialists Moreno Wines are now looking to expand their range so as to be more attractive to the on-trade.

Managing director Abbi Moreno said: "We want our portfolio to become more international. Most pubs will use only one or two suppliers, so we want to be able to provide wines from other countries like New Zealand and Australia."

But while they have their eye on New Worldwines, the Wines from Spain tasting is still their most important date on the trade calendar.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to meet with retailers and show off what we have to offer" Abbi said. " It's also a great way for us to spend time with our producers and to introduce them to each other. We're in a sociable industry and Wines from Spain is all about bringing people together."

Managing directors Abbi and Marcel Moreno from Moreno Wines Managing directors Abbi and Marcel Moreno from Moreno Wines

LHWines

Premium wine exporters LHWines work with smaller wineries - with an output sometimes as little as 6,000 bottles a year.

But export manager Sergio Gonzalez said he and CEO Laura Hoyos don't get too hung up on size.

He said: "For us, it's not so much about the size of the vineyard but the philosophy the winemaker. These producers all care deeply about what they do. If you look at the bottles you will see it's their names on the label."

Export manager Sergio Gonzalez from LHWines