Walker & Wodehouse strengthens Rioja portfolio with Cosme Palacio

By Mathew Lyons

Published: 15 October, 2015

Bibendum PLB subsidiary Walker & Wodehouse has added Rioja producer Bodegas Cosme Palacio to its Spanish portfolio.

The distributor will offer five exclusive wines to its UK clients from this month: 1894 Cosme Palacio White 2009; 1894 Cosme Palacio Red 2008; Cosme Palacio Reserva 2010; Cosme Palacio Crianza Blanco 2013 and Cosme Palacio Crianza Tinto 2012.

Bodegas Cosme Palacio comprises 200 hectares in Rioja Alavesa.

It was founded in 1894 by Don Cosme Palacio y Bermejillo and many of its vines still date back to the 1930s and 1940s.

The range has been repackaged to emphasise the winery's historic roots.

Wine writer Matthew Jukes described the 2007 vintage Cosme Palacio 1894 white as an "extraordinary white wine [that] can only really be compared to the world's great chardonnays in texture, length and integrity".

Bodegas Cosme Palacio was bought by Spanish winemakers Hijos de Antonio Barceló in 1998. The company also owns Bodegas Viña Mayor in the Ribera del Duero DO, Bodegas Peñascal in Castile and León and Bodegas y Viñedos Anzil in the Toro DO, among others

The winemaking team is led by Roberto Rodriguez, who - together with Michel Rolland - has modernized the winery's techniques and processes.

Gareth Groves, managing director of Walker & Wodehouse, said: "Rioja is a key region for us commercially and one we are very keen to promote. It's a fantastic opportunity to be able to list the Cosme Palacio wines as they offer excellent quality with standout packaging.

"With all the excitement about up and coming Spanish regions, we shouldn't forget the strength of Rioja as a brand in the UK and just how good the wines can be."

Walker & Wodehouse's Rioja portfolio also includes Bodegas Navajas, Bodegas Miguel Merino and Vinedos de Aldeanueva.

The Cosme Palacio range has an RRP of between £12.49 and £39.99.

Walker & Wodehouse became part of Bibendum PLB at the same time as the merger last year. It was relaunched in June, focusing on independent retailers and wholesalers.

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