“To do this, we have undertaken more than 10 years of experiments in our vineyards. We have invested in a weather station and we are constantly experimenting with other forms of vinification. Each experiment is a different wine that is never repeated. This is how we are trying to show there is a vibrant and exciting life beyond more famous appellations in Spain.”
Willard says: “One of the most pleasing trends at the moment in Spain is the protection of old bush vines and indigenous grape varieties. There is so much lovely old bush vine Garnacha in Spain, as well as exciting white varieties such as Albillo. This is the country’s vinous heritage and more and more growers are keen to show the world what they can do.
“It is interesting to see lighter styles of rosé, more Provence-like in colour, in Spanish bars. An interesting development for Laithwaite’s has been the introduction of a frizzante-style low-alcohol Moscatel Rosado. We have only just launched this in the past few months but it is proving popular, finishing at the top of Laithwaite’s customer sales from our various tasting events throughout the country.
“The ability of Spain to adapt to different consumer styles with products which are still regional and show varietal typicity is a strong point in its favour,” says Willard. “We have launched a low-alcohol white, made from Moscatel, and a rosé, made from Tempranillo, called Fragrantia. They are naturally sweet and with a slight spritz,” says Grosse at Gonzalez Byass.
Dynamic
Fernando González from Iberico concludes: “Spain to me represents the most dynamic wine country in Europe. Now there are important challenges that I think Spanish growers, producers and marketers have to face, with fair pricing being an important one, consistency of quality another, and, finally, embracing the diversity of styles from our different climates, regions and indigenous varieties.”
Willard adds: “For me, Spain is the most exciting wine-producing country in the world. No other country can offer the diversity of styles, regional difference and value for money that Spain offers. There are so many grape varieties and regions currently unknown in the UK and in other global markets so it is exciting to be able to look out for these gems to offer to Laithwaite’s customers.”
