Manchester’s Lowry Hotel will be hosting the Rioja Tasting in September. To register click here.
Tell us about your 100km of Rioja Diversity tasting in September – why 100km and what does it involve?
Rioja’s 100km of Diversity tasting is an opportunity for the trade to explore the extremely diverse styles of wine coming out of this 100km-wide designation. Rioja has been recognised historically for its barrel-aged reds but today, the region produces such a broad variety of red, white, rosé and sparkling wines. This tasting offers the chance to taste over 180 wines from all three zones, allowing for a true exploration of the diversity of the terroir.
You want to focus on the region’s most recently adopted classification categories – what are they and when did they come into place?
The Lowry Hotel in Manchester will host Rioja’s 100km Diversity tasting
This year, the tasting will shine a spotlight on Viñedo Singulares wines which will be presented on a separate focus table. This classification was incorporated in 2017 as a way to recognise and include wines with special origins.
What else will buyers be able to taste and discover?
Above all, the tasting will highlight the myriad styles produced across the region’s diverse terroir and three zones, from the finest Espumoso de Rioja to barrel-aged whites, elegant rosados to classic Gran Reservas and everything in between.
Buyers will have the chance to meet the region’s dynamic producers and importers, many of whom will be travelling from Rioja to share the unique stories behind their wines. The tasting will showcase both imported Rioja wines and those seeking representation in the UK so there will be plenty of opportunity to try new discoveries and old favourites.
Sarah Jane Evans MW is running a seminar called “Beyond the Classics” – can you give more details about that?
Sarah Jane Evans MW will be hosting a seminar “Beyond the Classics” at the Manchester event
At 11am, Sarah Jane will be taking guests through the latest trends in the region along with the chance to taste some of the newest styles, categories and more.
You are hosting the event in Manchester – why did you want to host it there?
Arguably the capital of the north, Manchester is home to some of the best restaurants and wine bars in the UK and we are looking forward to hosting a new trade audience at The Lowry Hotel to taste a broad spectrum of Rioja wines.
Is it important to get out of London and take these wines to more people around the country?
Following the success of the 100km of Diversity tasting in London last year, we were keen to host the same event in a second UK city in order to amplify the message of Rioja as a diverse and premium wine producing region. It is important for wineries and importers to meet with a trade audience in the north of the country to encourage them to positively re-engage with Rioja, taste a wide variety of wines and deepen their knowledge of the region.
Who do you hope will it attend and find it most useful?
The first Rioja 100km Diversity tasting was held in London last year
On and off-trade wine professionals based in the north of England as well as press and key trade representatives looking to further their knowledge of the region, discover new wines and take on new listings.
What else is Rioja doing this year as a region?
In July, Rioja hosted the annual World’s Best Vineyards 2023 announcement. Held in Rioja, over 100 guests including journalists from around the world flew over to enjoy an extensive programme of tastings, visits and activities that highlighted the exceptional diversity and unique culture the region offers. The DOCa Rioja was crowned the greatest exponent of national wine tourism in The World’s Best Vineyards 2023, as the Spanish Designation of Origin with the most presence in the prestigious ranking that lists the World’s Best Vineyards and Wineries.
- To find out more about Rioja’s 100km of Diversity tasting in Manchester on September 6 click here.
