New sparkling Rioja hits the UK
Bodegas Bilbaínas, part of Raventós Codorníu, has launched a sparkling Rioja for its flagship Viña Pomal brand through specialist wine retailer Majestic. The post New sparkling Rioja hits the UK appeared first on The Drinks Business.
Bodegas Bilbaínas, part of Raventós Codorníu, has launched a sparkling Rioja for its flagship Viña Pomal brand through specialist wine retailer Majestic.
Andrea Cerezo, Raventós Codorníu's key account manager for the UK, explained why the company opted to launch the Viña Pomal Sparkling Reserva 2020 in the British market, via Majestic, where it retails for £15 per bottle (or £13 if part of the Mix Six).
"The UK is one of the most dynamic and mature wine markets in the world, with a strong appreciation for both tradition and innovation — and a long-standing love for Rioja," she shared. "British consumers are increasingly exploring premium sparkling wines beyond Champagne, and Majestic’s customers, in particular, have shown deep loyalty to Rioja over the years. Following the successful launch of our rebranded Pomal still wines last year, we saw a clear opportunity to build on that momentum."
The wine itself is 100% Garnacha, made as a blanc de noirs and aged for 24 months. It is designated as a DOCa Rioja.
"While Rioja is best known for its reds, it also carries a powerful reputation for quality, which reassures consumers when exploring new styles," said Cerezo. "With Pomal Sparkling Rioja, we’re inviting UK wine drinkers to discover a fresh expression from a region they already trust. This sparkling wine stands out as a true gem, as Rioja sparkling wines remain an emerging and little-known category in the UK, making this launch a genuine innovation for British wine lovers."
As for if there are plans to launch further sparkling Riojas, Cerezo said: "We’re always open to innovation, especially in categories where consumers are showing growing curiosity and appetite for something new. While it’s still early days, we’re excited to see how Pomal Sparkling Rioja is received by UK wine drinkers."
She also pointed out that Viña Pomal Sparkling Reserva 2020 is "building" on previous experience: "Bodegas Bilbaínas was a pioneer in the production of sparkling wines in Rioja, long before the DO officially included them in its legislation. Wines like Royal Carlton and Lumen, produced in Rioja under the traditional method, are part of that legacy."
Andrea Cerezo, Raventós Codorníu's key account manager for the UK, explained why the company opted to launch the Viña Pomal Sparkling Reserva 2020 in the British market, via Majestic, where it retails for £15 per bottle (or £13 if part of the Mix Six).
"The UK is one of the most dynamic and mature wine markets in the world, with a strong appreciation for both tradition and innovation — and a long-standing love for Rioja," she shared. "British consumers are increasingly exploring premium sparkling wines beyond Champagne, and Majestic’s customers, in particular, have shown deep loyalty to Rioja over the years. Following the successful launch of our rebranded Pomal still wines last year, we saw a clear opportunity to build on that momentum."
The wine itself is 100% Garnacha, made as a blanc de noirs and aged for 24 months. It is designated as a DOCa Rioja.
"While Rioja is best known for its reds, it also carries a powerful reputation for quality, which reassures consumers when exploring new styles," said Cerezo. "With Pomal Sparkling Rioja, we’re inviting UK wine drinkers to discover a fresh expression from a region they already trust. This sparkling wine stands out as a true gem, as Rioja sparkling wines remain an emerging and little-known category in the UK, making this launch a genuine innovation for British wine lovers."
As for if there are plans to launch further sparkling Riojas, Cerezo said: "We’re always open to innovation, especially in categories where consumers are showing growing curiosity and appetite for something new. While it’s still early days, we’re excited to see how Pomal Sparkling Rioja is received by UK wine drinkers."
She also pointed out that Viña Pomal Sparkling Reserva 2020 is "building" on previous experience: "Bodegas Bilbaínas was a pioneer in the production of sparkling wines in Rioja, long before the DO officially included them in its legislation. Wines like Royal Carlton and Lumen, produced in Rioja under the traditional method, are part of that legacy." 
