Leading Bierzo winery Bodega del Abad has just joined the wine portfolio of Amathus Drinks. The Bierzo region located in Northwest Spain is experiencing a surge of popularity as sommeliers and consumers are attracted by the combination of ripe yet fresh, elegant, mineral wines which pair superbly with food.
The region enjoys a unique microclimate, resulting from the combination of both Atlantic and Mediterranean continental climates, while the steep slate-soiled hillsides are perfect for the production of high-quality grapes. Bodega del Abad was founded in 2000 with a hi-tech winery, and now has 35 hectares of vines split between the red Mencia grape, and the white Godello. The majority of the vineyards are at high altitude and some are over 100 years old. Both red and white wines range from light, fresh unoaked styles to powerful complex barrel-aged wines. The value for money across the board is outstanding.
The last 12 months has seen a burst of activity for the wine division of Amathus drinks, with 12 new producers added to their growing portfolio of wine agencies.
The year started with the high profile signing of leading Champagne house Duval-Leroy, and continued with the addition of organic estates Petit Roubié and Château La Liquière from the Languedoc, alongside Mas Cristine and Champ des Soeurs from the Roussillon. Other additions include Prosecco producer 8cento and from the Northern Rhône Roland Grangier in St-Joseph and Condrieu, plus the organic Laurent Habrard in Crozes-Hermitage. Progressive Greek producer Avantis Estate further increased the diversity of the portfolio, as did the high-scoring Addendum Napa Cabernets from the team behind Fess Parker. A range of petit château Bordeaux from across the region has added increased depth to the range.
Further new listings from Spain, South Africa, France and Japan amongst others are to be confirmed very soon, while the rest of 2019 promises a similar wave of new agencies from across the globe as Amathus continue to build a wine range to match the wide-ranging spirit selection for which they are renowned.
Amathus Head of Wine, Jeremy Lithgow MW, said recently: “What Amathus is building is truly exciting; the route to market established by our diverse spirits agencies alongside our ability to offer a comprehensive wholesale package has given us the foundation to build a wine business with the ability to compete against the more established players in the market. Not only are we looking to provide a range of great value everyday essentials, but also to offer a diverse range of wines at all levels from quality-driven estates delivering real excitement from all corners of the globe.”
