Since 1984, importing authentic regional wines from grower estates in Spain, with a special emphasis on indigenous cool-climate viticulture.Terroir-driven limited-production family estates from Spain and Germany, featuring a new generation of quality-minded, environmentally-sensitive growers. Division founded in 2009.It is enough to turn a proud Frenchman sober. The country’s hallowed wines could soon be off the menu as middle-class Britons inspired by the march of tapas bars are increasingly reaching for a glass of Rioja at home. Sales of Rioja have continued to surge as the rest of the wine industry has declined, leading to predictions that Spanish wines will soon account for a greater share of the British market than their French rivals. One in ten of all non-sparkling wines sold in British supermarkets and off-licences is now Spanish, according to the latest quarterly figures from Nielsen, which monitors sales. By comparison, French wines comprise 11 percent of total sales. Britain imported 10 percent more Rioja last year than the year before, and the Spanish wine-growing region now accounts for one in 20 of all bottles sold in Britain.

Industry figures said the rise could be explained by the growing popularity of a more relaxed dining culture, with diners who sample Rioja in tapas bars more likely to drink it at home, too. The volume of Spanish wine consumed in Britain has risen by more than a quarter in the last five years. During the same period, imports of French wine shrank by 13 percent, according to figures from the Wine and Spirit Trade Association. best fruit for red wineMore than 36,000,000 litres of Rioja were exported to Britain last year, nearly twice as much as to Germany, the country with the next highest demand. wine gift boxes and bagsBritain now accounts for a third of all Rioja exports. good wine in englandThe increase came even as overall sales of wine fell by more than two percent. what wine to buy in paris

Stuart Grundy, a buyer for Bibendum, the wine merchant, said sales of Spanish wine "could very well overtake" French wines within two or three years. Diners who sample Rioja in tapas bars are more likely to drink it at home too ( Alamy) "Due to limitations on production in France, notably smaller vintages and large price increases, France is no longer able to offer wines at the value end [of the market]," he said. good wine to gift someoneChris Ellis, commercial director of Pernod Ricard, which makes Campo Viejo, Britain’s best-selling brand of Rioja, said he expected the trend to continue “without doubt”. best wine turkey“This certainly isn’t going to be a short trend as [Spanish wines] continue to close the gap on France,” he said. best wine warehouse

“There is an upsurge in tapas bars and restaurants around the country,” he said. “It is not just a London thing anymore. People are trying Rioja in those restaurants and then moving to buying it in the supermarkets.” The volume of Spanish wine consumed in Britain has risen by more than a quarter in the last five years Guy Woodward, a former editor of Decanter magazine, blamed French vineyards for failing to adapt to changing trends. what red wine can you drink with fish“The image of French wine has suffered in recent years,” he said. food and wine best tea shops“The top wines from Bordeaux are now extraordinarily expensive and French wine is in danger of being seen as beyond the realm of most of us, or just for a special occasion. They are quite proud of their heritage, so they haven’t done as much as other countries to make their wine accessible to young drinkers.”

Sales of Rioja have increased as Spain has shed its association with budget holidays on the Costa del Sol to become fashionable once again, he said. “Suddenly Rioja is now cooler, because the country is as a whole,” he said. “Even things like architecture seep through to make the wine seem trendier. There’s a fashion for all things Spanish.” According to the Nielsen figures, the most popular wines are Australian, accounting for 22 percent of all sales. Wines from Italy and America also outsell their rivals from both France and Spain.And a little intimidating? Sure, it's a deep and complex subject, but unless you're a philosopher with a vineyard, wine is simply about enjoying what's in your glass. We’ve built our entire wine department on this philosophy. Mix and match with reds, whites and everything in between — and get 10 percent off when you buy six bottles or more., and she shared all kinds of details about her philosophy,...Seattle Culinary Students Display Prowess in Tapas CompetitionThe winning creations were very original, and featured emblematic products such as piquillo peppers, garlic alioli,...

Oysters, Tapas and Extra Virgin Olive Oil at GourmetsMore culinary champions were revealed at the third day of international trade fair the Salón de Gourmets. Protos Roble 2011 and Protos Crianza 2009 get two platinum medals.Protos quality continues to be recognized beyond our frontiers, nowin the U.S.A market "The Best Spanish Wines of USA" challenge has awarded Protos Roble 2010 and Protos Crianza 2009 with two platinum medals, the highest honor of the competition. Protos is the only winery in Ribera del Duero which has obtained this recognition. In this contest, first held in Miami, a jury of sommeliers, importers, distributors and tasters tasted more than 136 samples of various denominations of origin in the famous St. Regis Hotel. The awards received by Protos certified the quality of the wines in all of its range, adding this new recognition of gold medals recently at the Concours Mondial in Brussels or Berlin Wine Trophy held in Germany.2016 PROTOS CRIANZA 2012, GOLD MEDAL IN DECANTER ASIA WINE AWARDS 2016