Vega Sicilia names new technical director

Vega Sicilia has named its new technical director, just three days after confirming the departure of the former winemaker.

It was announced on Monday 17 August that Javier Ausas was leaving the position after 23 years at the company, the last six of which had been as technical director at the celebrated Ribera de Duero estate.

His replacement has been named as Gonzalo Iturriaga de Juan, until recently export sales director for Lamothe-Abiet, which makes winemaking equipment. Prior to that he was technical director at Bodegas Habla in Extremadura.

Few reasons were given for Ausas’ departure other than he and owner, Palbo Alvarez, had talked about it and come to a “mutual decision” Alvarez has since been quoted by the Spanish press that the transition marked a “new phase” for the winery which turned 150 last year.

It has not been reported what Ausas is going to do next.