Uutiset
IWC Awards 2015. Published: MAY, 2015
Two Bronzes and one Silver. El Mudo Bronze, L'Estel Bronze, Tierra Fuerte Silver!
Historia
Bodegas Abanico is a project developed by Rafael De Haan and Nuria Altes. Having met in the wine trade (Rafael exported Nuria´s wine from Celler Batea), they have formed a close partnership to select the best wines that Spain has to offer. Further information on each of the founding member is detailed below.
Bodegas Abanico really began in the autumn of 2006 when Rafael and Nuria decided to make their own wine in Celler Batea, Terra Alta. At the time, we had a New Zealand winemaker working for us and we thought we could create something special from the old vine Garnacha and Syrah in Terra Alta. The resulting wine Las Colinas del Ebro and has since developed into a successful brand in its own right. More than anything, this experience showed us that we could improve on what was currently being produced by wineries in terms of wine quality and packaging, and create a product unique to us.
Since 2006 we have developed numerous brands from all over Spain and now South America and we will continue to search out great wines, regions and projects to add to our range. Today, we are confident that every wine justifies itself in our portfolio and represents true quality, regional authenticity, varietal character, as well as great value.
Viinivalmistus
We look to the native grape varieties and the incredible regional variety of Spain to keep our portfolio diverse and interesting. We partner talented winemakers capable of expressing this extraordinary diversity and delivering the authentic character of place and variety. Spain is blessed with a host of unique grape varieties, the most famous variety is Tempranillo and this is well represented in our portfolio in our wines from Ribera del Duero, Rioja and Castilla. Recently, we have incorporated some fascinating varieties from the north west of Spain: Godello from Valdeorras, Albariño from Rias Baixas, Mencia from Bierzo and Torrontes from Salta, Argentina. These increasingly fashionable varieties offer the consumer a fascinating tour of wine traditions and tastes from all these regions.
We like wines that are enjoyable to drink with good balance and control of both tannins and alcohol. Throughout Spain, many wines are typically overly extracted or rustic as this is the character traditional to the region. Abanico Wines will preserve the essence of this regional character, but we will also ensure that the wines are suitable for the contemporary, international market. Our focus is always on clean, pure expression of fruit, as we believe the grapes to be the best conduit of terroir and tradition. Barrel ageing is a secondary consideration and should never dominate the wine. Our packaging is also clear and modern and transmits the qualities of the wine to the consumer.
Sisäpiiritietoa
Rafael De Haan
British born, Rafael studied history and Latin American Studies before joining the UK wine trade in 2000. As assistant buyer, a trip to visit wineries in Argentina and Chile convinced him that his place was near the vines, rather than a distant office. Upon moving to Barcelona in 2001, he saw the great potential in Spanish wine that was yet unrealised on the international markets and began learning as much as he could about the regions, grapes and people involved. In 2002, after having brokered the sale of his first pallet of wine to the UK, Rafael set up a small wine and tapas bar in Barcelona. By 2005 the wine business became big enough for Rafael to sell his stake in the restaurant and set up Exportiberia as a fully constituted company. In 2006, Rafael set-up Bodegas Abanico with his partner, Núria Altès.
Núria Altès
Having completed he studies in "Agrarian Exploitation" Núria’s first job was as production and "quality control" assistant in Celler Batea, the largest winery in Terra Alta. Nuria´s unwavering enthusiasm for the wines and the region of Terra Alta soon saw her promoted to head of sales and she wasted no time establishing her products in numerous international markets. Núria owns 50% of Bodegas Abanico with her partner, Rafael and also remains as head of exports for Celler Batea.