There are plenty of reasons to register for the Taste Spain – Wines from Spain Annual Tasting 2023, taking place in London on Tuesday, February 28 and in Leeds on Monday, March 13. Here’s a summary of what to expect.
Who’s exhibiting?
For any merchant looking to consolidate or expand their Spanish offering, attending the Wines from Spain Annual Tasting isn’t just a great opportunity to taste the wines, it’s also an unrivalled chance to meet and talk with dozens of Spanish wine experts. No event is better suited to help indies build an outstanding Spanish wine and beer portfolio.
More than 30 suppliers will be in attendance, all listed at annualtasting.foodswinesfromspain.com, along with details of their Spanish ranges. Online there is also the chance to download spec sheets, read up on the wineries and make direct contact with UK sales representatives. Planning ahead is recommended, to help get the most out of the day.
Among the exhibitors are 20 Spanish estates seeking representation in the UK. From Jumilla in the south to Somontano in the north, attendees will discover a host of great wines, all ready to take their place in the UK market.
A wine selection with something for everyone
The event will feature 930 wines from 62 DOs, made from 85 different grape varieties. So there’s no question that there is a wine for every taste and budget.
From the islands to the mainland, fabled regions to the more modestly brilliant, it is the place to be to taste your way through one of the world’s most exciting wine producing countries.
Whether it’s a full-bodied and refreshing Listán Blanco from Tenerife, or age-worthy wines from Rioja to Txakolí, Wines from Spain’s Annual Tasting will have it covered, along with the country’s wealth of fortified, sparkling, rosé, dry and sweet wines: every category covered under one roof.
See annualtasting.foodswinesfromspain.com for a preview of the wines on offer, and to message importers in advance.
Join us in Leeds
There’s a lot going on at the Wines from Spain tasting event in Leeds this year, giving visitors from the north a terrific chance to explore the exciting, ongoing developments in Spanish wines.
Themed tables will guide visitors through the diversity of wines on offer. Aperitivo! is an essential pit-stop for any merchant looking for easy-drinking Spanish wines that deliver on taste, without breaking the budget. There will be tasty tapas to sample too.
The Compass Tasting is a great way to explore Spain’s many wine regions, helping visitors pinpoint them on the map and understand their respective styles of wine.
It would barely be a Spanish wine and food event without a Sherry Bar. This steadily re-emerging category offers exciting drinking, for unbelievably good value. Here visitors will have the chance to try both dry and off-dry sherries with hand-carved jamón.
A special selection of premium and super-premium Spanish wines will also be available to taste.
Masterclasses
Masterclasses are a great way to add to your Spanish wine knowledge and taste new things.
In London there are two events. Campo de Borja’s Garnachas Historicas Project is a chance to take a deep dive into old vine Garnacha. The Asociación de Cerveceros de España will be presenting a special tasting of Spanish craft beers, which are increasingly appreciated by UK consumers.
In Leeds Sarah Jane Evans MW and Christine Austin will be leading two fascinating sessions. Back to the Future is a six-wine tasting from classic regions, chosen to illustrate Spain’s ability to re-invent itself. Austin’s Spanish Sparks is a focus on the indigenous varieties that are lighting up Spanish winemaking.
Visitors must book a place, as masterclass numbers will be limited.
Discover lesser-known indigenous varieties
World-class Tempranillo, Garnacha, Albariño and Verdejo are grapes that have secured Spain’s reputation as a fine-wine producer across the globe. Taste Spain is a chance to explore lesser-known varieties that will add tasty thrills and diversity to any wine list.
Here are some examples.
Treixadura. This Galician white grape is wonderfully aromatic and considered to be the jewel of the Ribeiro vineyards. Winemakers talk about the finesse and elegance of Treixadura wines, as well as their ageing potential.
Graciano. Native to Rioja, Graciano is reasserting itself as a star player in the region, with vivid aromas of mulberry and violets and the structure to support wines with great ageing potential.
Callet, Manto Negro & Prensal Blanc. The wines of Mallorca are on the up, with a tenfold rise in wineries in the last 20 years. The wines have quickly gained a following in mainland Spain, and their international success is not far away.
Feature produced in partnership with Foods & Wines from Spain. For more information visit annualtasting.foodswinesfromspain.com. To register or book a masterclass email: winesfromspain@otaria.co.uk.
