Spain to host Annual Showcase on Thursday 1 March

Returning to Old Billingsgate, the Annual Wines from Spain Trade Fair will open its doors to the trade and press from 10.30am to 6pm on Thursday 1 March. Now in its 23rd year, the Trade Fair will show that it’s lost none of its momentum when it comes to delivering diversity, quality and excitement.

Attending this year’s Trade Fair will be 58 Spanish wine importers presenting new releases from the 2011 vintage as well as exciting new finds from less familiar corners of Spain. They will be joined by over 30 exporters seeking UK distribution from a number of regions, all first time exhibitors. Together they present an impressive line-up of wines from over 60 Denominations of Origin in Spain and produced from more than 80 different grape varieties.

For the ultra busy, the Fast Track Tasting has always been a popular feature at the Fair giving visitors an opportunity to taste one wine from every exhibitor. This informal, self-pour tasting will show the quality and range of wines on offer in the Hall which can be further explored at individual stands.

Speaking on behalf of Wines from Spain, Maria José Sevilla says: “Spanish wines have grown in recognition in the UK assisted by the popularity of world-renowned Spanish chefs like Ferran Adrià and the recent BBC production ‘Rick Stein’s Spain’. This gastronomic link is encouraging consumers to experiment outside Spain’s classic wine regions and discover new indigenous grape varieties from up-and-coming producers.”

She adds: “In cash-strapped times, Spain is well positioned to deliver quality wines at all price levels to every sector of the market with crisp whites, fruity rosados, complex reds, unrivalled fortified wines and serious sparkling wines which are competing with international rivals.”

The Wines from Spain Trade Fair will be followed by a consumer tasting from 6pm which will be a ticket-only event. A Cava Bar, Sherry Bar, wine walks, live music and wine tastings will be accompanied by a range of tasty tapas prepared by some of London’s leading Spanish chefs. Tickets will go on sale at £25 each on www.squaremeal.co.uk at the beginning of February.