On the 16th April, delegates from 28 of the 56 QDO Rioja bodegas, which exported to Japan in 2007, visited Tokyo as part of a marketing campaign organised by the La Rioja Economic Development Agency (ADER). More than a hundred Japanese trade professionals, including retailers, executives and agents with an interest in learning more about the bodegas’ latest products, took part in the event.

A seminar, targeted exclusively at trade professionals, showcased the latest vintages, and informed the attendees about the qualities and categories of Rioja wines and the role played by the Regulating Council. The three latest vintages from Rioja to achieve the official categories of crianza (2004), reserva (2003) and gran reserva (2001), as well as other vintages, were also on display.

After the seminar, Yoichi Sato, a prestigious Japanese sommelier, led a tasting and commentary of eight wines: ‘Allende Blanco 2005’, ‘LG Leza García Cosecha 2006’, ‘Arteso 2005’, ‘Medievo Crianza 2004’, ‘Castillo de Sajazarra Reserva 2003’, ‘Marqués de Vargas Reserva privada 2004’, ‘Loriñón Gran Reserva 2001’ and ‘Urbina Gran Reserva Especial 1994’.

This marketing forum was rounded off with the visit of a delegation from the La Rioja Wine and Alcoholic Beverages Importers Association and the Japanese Sommeliers Association.

According to ADER, the Japanese market offers important opportunities for exports owing to the growing interest in Spanish cuisine embodied by the increase in ‘Spanish style’ bars and restaurants, which generates a rising demand for Spanish wines.

In the last three years, QDO Rioja wine exports to Japan reached €4.49m.