Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/723381
12 / the tasting panel / september 2016 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Diego Pinilla has been appointed Chief Winemaker of the Codorníu Raventós Group, with oversight of the company's ten global wineries in Spain, Napa Valley and Argentina. Pinilla was previously Technical Manager for Bodegas Bilbaínas in Rioja. In his new role, Pinilla will guide corporate winemaking strategy and lead the company's highest- end projects, while coordinating exchange and collaboration on a global basis. Pinilla will also drive vineyard classification as part of the Codorníu Raventós Group's continuing commitment to craft- ing terroir-driven wines, while managing a close connection to consumer markets. A family-owned fine wine import, marketing and sales company, Quintessential is expanding its marketing team with the addition of Geoff Williams as New World Wine Regions Wine and Spirits Brand Manager. He will be involved in developing and communicating brand marketing and promo- tional plans, as well as aiding the sales team in creating effec- tive programming to achieve both short- and long-term sales goals for Quintessential's producers from the United States, Chile, Australia, South Africa, Argentina and Brazil. APPOINTMENTS Neighbor from the North F ounded by Cole Miller, a 20-year-old distillery from Canada, Twelve Barrels Canadian Whisky is based on a recipe first brewed in 1853 by John Meagher—the brand is named after John's son, who was a World Champion figure skater and would show off his skill by leaping over 12 whisky barrels. The whisky has the spicy notes you would expect from a rye whisky, along with fruit, vanilla and butterscotch. Twelve Barrels has secured distribution in four Canadian provinces and is looking to the U.S. Twelve Barrels has posi- tioned itself to bring a market currently drinking vodka and craft beer to whisky, while offers current whisky drinkers a trade up from other products. A Wealth of Information T he Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) relaunched website includes information on WSET qualifications in 19 languages, where to find courses around the globe and a new Knowledge Center with a range of tools and resources such as: • A how-to-say-it pronuncia- tion tool • Monthly Q&As with and articles by WSET graduates, students and educators on the updated blog • WSET's popular three-minute Wine School videos Now, if you encounter a grape variety or region whose pronun- ciation stumps you, you have a credible resource! The blog will also feature monthly posts by WSET's well-educated profes- sionals on their key passion topics within the industry.