Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1249
Spain, the newest darling of food and wine afi cionados, was up front and center at the Spanish Wine Cel- lar and Pantry event in New York City in April. The 42 wine exhibitors attended not only to promote the di- versity of Spanish wines, but to gain insight into American wine consum- ers—an added value for these yet-to- be-discovered wineries traveling to the U.S. in search of distribution. Representing 28 regions in Spain, the producers exemplifi ed the Span- ish winemaking mindset: deep roots in regional heritage and tradition, but concentrated on modern styles that focus on freshness and versatil- ity. The New York–based event fea- tured not only established regions such as Rioja and Toro, but also showcased emerging regions that are quickly catching attention for consistently delivering high-quality wines at an excellent value. "The doors have opened to a greater extent over the past fi ve years," says Katrin Naelapaa, Direc- tor of Wines of Spain. "We've seen an easy, steady growth and more of a sense that the consumer is open to Spain." Consumer interest has long been limited to Rioja, once considered the king of Spanish wines. But fueled fi rst by the tapas phenom- enon and now by Spain's white- hot gastronomy movement, other Spanish wines are gaining ground on the international marketplace as consumers seek the next trendy grape. The biggest challenge, says Naelapaa, is getting consumers to understand Tempranillo, Spain's noble grape. "It's the Cabernet of Spain," she says, adding that Spain hopes to brand the variety much in the way Argentina has successfully branded Malbec. April Collum, the Spanish wine consultant and educator who provid- ed outreach for the event, noted that while most consumers are familiar with Rioja, there is an increasing awareness of Spain's more modern offerings, thanks to young winemak- ers who are reclaiming their wine heritage and striking a balance be- Carlton Carington (left) and Kevin Martinez from the BR Restaurant Group get a taste of Spain's yet-to-be-discovered wines. 40 / the tasting panel / june 2009 Ricardo Aram- barri and Nicole Johnson from Vintoe Luxury Wine Specialists. Spanish Wine Report