Altos de Aranda taps into demand for export-focused wines from Ribera del Duero | Long Wines

Altos de Aranda taps into demand for export-focused wines from Ribera del Duero

Leading German wine trade publication Meiningers Wine Business International recently featured an article by James Lawrence calling for the Ribera del Duero to reconsider its export strategy.

As he points out, over 90% of Ribera’s wines are sold in the domestic market, which was not such an issue at times of high demand in the national market, but now Covid-19 has decimated Spanish hospitality, many producers may be wishing that they had diversified their sales strategies across a variety of channels.

As one London-based wine buyer mentions in the article, rather than delving too deeply into terroir messaging at the top end, the Ribera should be focusing on letting more international mainstream consumers know that its wines offer both freshness and power.

These opinions recall those of in an article written by Sarah Jane Evans MW in Decanter in 2018, in which several buyers lament: ‘I can’t find a wine I like that my customers can afford.’

William Long explains how Long Wines created Altos de Aranda to solve these issues and open new export markets for this prestigious region:

“Historically, it has been difficult and expensive to source wines that combine drinkability with affordability – they are usually either released too young with untamed tannins or at a price that international consumers are not prepared to pay. This is why we are so delighted to launch Altos de Aranda. The result of years of searching for the right winery partner and the perfect wines, the range offers an unoaked Tempranillo with bold flavours that shows the quality of the high altitude fruit and a Crianza that blends red and black fruit with complex spice and leather notes. Fernando Mora MW consulted on the blend for the Tempranillo to ensure that it combines intense fruit with juicy, balanced freshness and we think he has done a great job.”

The sheep that features on the label was inspired by the landscape of scrubland, used for grazing and dotted with traditional bush vines, and offers a simple visual pairing guide for international consumers. Roast lamb is on the menu at most wineries, making the ideal pairing with bold fruit and fresh acidity of Ribera del Duero reds.

The wines have already been snapped up by one of Denmark’s leading importers and retailers of top-end wine for sale both online and in their Copenhagen stores, as well as distribution to restaurants once they have reopened.

For more information on the wines and pricing information, please contact us.