Walker and Wodehouse strengthens Spanish offer

Bibendum PLB’s specialist off-trade arm Walker & Wodehouse has bolstered its Spanish portfolio with the addition of Rioja producer Bodegas Cosme Palacio.

Based in the Alavesa sub-region of Rioja, Bodegas Cosme Palacio was founded by Don Cosme Palacio y Bermejillo who first produced wine at the estate over 100 years ago, making it one of Rioja’s Bodegas Históricas de la D.O Ca Rioja.

Its winemaking team is led by Roberto Rodriguez who has worked with Michel Rolland to modernise and develop the winemaking approach at Cosme Palacio.

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 will launch five wines in the UK this month with a recommended retail price range of £12.49 to £39.99, all of which have benefitted from new packaging which pays tribute to the winery’s original 19th century labels.

The wines include 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.

Walker & Wodehouse’s Rioja portfolio already includes; Bodegas Navajas, Bodegas Miguel Merino and Vinedos de Aldeanueva.