The Gran Orden was founded to recognise those in Spain and the UK who work to promote the best in Spanish wines in the UK. Our annual Investiture Dinner is a great opportunity to celebrate.
For our 40th anniversary, we enjoyed a very special menu developed by José Pizarro and Owen Morgan, members of the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino, and prepared by Gary Klaner, Executive Chef at The Landmark London and his team.
It was paired with wines selected by Caballeros from those submitted for tasting to ICEX by UK importers and Spanish wineries/producers. There were a couple of firsts among the wines this year – our first unfortified wine or vino de pasto from the Sherry region and our first wine from the Canary Islands.
Thank you to all the Spanish wineries, food producers and UK importers who kindly provided the beer, jamón, waters, olive oil and wines.
Dinner
Salmorejo, Ensalada de Tomate, Cangrejo de Cornualles, Gamba Blanca Salvaje
Salmorejo, Tomato Salad, Cornish Crab, Wild White Prawn
Presa Ibérica de Bellota Cinco Jotas, Pimientos del Piquillo
Caramelizados, Migas, Espárragos, Milhojas de Patata, Salsa de Amontillado
Presa Ibérica de Bellota Cinco Jotas, Caramelised Piquillo Peppers, Migas, Asparagus,
Milhoja Potatoes, Amontillado Sauce
Tarta de Queso Payoyo, Sorbete de Fresa al Palo Cortado y Tomillo
Payoyo and Hazelnut Cheesecake, Palo Cortado, Thyme infused Strawberry Sorbet
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Té, Café y Dulces
Tea, Coffee and Petits Fours
Wines
Reception
Fino Sherry – DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry
CRDO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry
The Fino for the reception was kindly supplied by the Consejo Regulador of Jerez-Xérès-Sherry. It was selected to represent the classic Fino with ‘a dry white wine made from Palomino grapes aged under a layer of flor yeast with a sharp, delicate bouquet slightly reminiscent of almonds, with hints of fresh dough and wild herbs’. It was served by the Venenciador of the Consejo Regulador de Jerez, D. Jesús Delgado
Reserva de la Familia Brut Nature 2019 – DO Cava
Juvé & Camps
The Family Reserva is an ever-popular choice: it’s a classic blend of 50% Xarel·lo, 35% Macabeo and 15% Parellada. Though it’s known as a Reserva it is actually a Gran Reserva, aged for 36 months. This long maturation ensures that there is a lively interplay between bright, crisp fruits and toasty brioche notes, with a vivid freshness from the brut nature style.
Imported by C & D Wines
Investiture
El Muelle de Olaso 2023 – IGP Cádiz
Bodega Luis Pérez
The Gran Orden has often served a Sherry as the Investiture wine. This year, in a first for the Dinner, we selected a wine from Sherry country, grown on albariza, made from Palomino Fino, aged briefly under flor, and not fortified. The style is
known as Vino de Pasto, and it comes from Willy Pérez who has been one of its champions.The Muelle de Olaso, says Willy, ‘was an old dock in Sanlúcar where fishing boats used to load, where my father spent his childhood’.
Imported by Indigo Wine
Starter
Marmajuelo 2023 – DO Gran Canaria
Bodegas Tamerán
Another first for the Dinner is this wine from the Canaries. Tamerán was launched in 2019 by David Silva, a Gran Canaria native and former star of Manchester City Football Club. With the expertise of Jonatán García of Suertes del Marqués in Tenerife, the wines have had immediate critical success. The vines are grown on their own roots on the island’s volcanic soils at 600-700 metres. This Atlantic Marmajuelo with its notes of marmalade, citrus and ginger was fermented and aged for 11 months in a 1,500 litre foudre.
Imported by Indigo Wine
Ermita de San Gregorio Blanco Reserva 2021 – DOCa Rioja
Jesús Madrazo
San Gregorio is the patron saint of vine-growers. This is Caballero Jesús Madrazo’s second vintage of this blend of Viura from close to El Villar in Rioja Alavesa with 10 percent Malvasía Rojal from the Villota estate. The wine was aged for 3 months on its lees in a mix of French oak and acacia barrels, with a small percentage of new oak. It has a
vibrant gastronomic appeal with floral charm and richness from the Malvasía and layers of citrus and mandarin with a mineral finish.
Imported by Frederick’s Wine Company
Main Course
Coma Vella 2018 – DOQ Priorat
Finca Mas d’en Gil
Mas d’en Gil, led by Marta Rovira, is based in the southern part of Priorat, near Bellmunt. The Rovira family introduced biodynamic farming back in 2008. Their Coma Vella is a blend of Garnacha Peluda (with the downy underside to its leaves) and Garnacha del País, Cariñena and Syrah, fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for 14 months in
barrel and large vats. The result is a wine with a vigorous Priorat identity, with its powerful fruit, firmly structured, and clearly Mediterranean.
Imported by C & D Wines
Viña Pomal Gran Reserva 2015 – DOCa Rioja
Bodegas Bilbaínas
Viña Pomal is a classic, in history and in style. The first harvest of Viña Pomal was in 1904 and it became and has remained one of Rioja’s famous brands. This Gran Reserva is a blend of Tempranillo with 10 per cent Graciano, aged in American oak barrels for three years, and then aged for another three years in bottle. The slow, steady maturation has uncovered a complex palate of red fruits, cacao, tobacco and spice with a lift of orange zest. From an excellent vintage.
Imported by Codorníu UK
Dessert
Leonor Palo Cortado NV – DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry
González Byass
Leonor is a very fine example of a Palo Cortado: aromatically Leonor promises that she will be a classic mature Amontillado. In the mouth, though, she reveals the intensity of an Oloroso, but with delicacy and finesse. She is an average of 12 years old. The dessert has been designed to match the wine, using local Payoyo cheese.
Imported by Gonzalez Byass UK
Stirrup Cup
Reserva Brut Organic 2022 – DO Cava
Bodegues Sumarroca
This blend of the three classic Cava varieties has been aged for 36 months,
developing fine pastry aromas, and an elegant palate.
Imported by Alliance Wine
Ars Collecta Blanc de Blancs Reserva 2021 – DO Cava
Codorníu
Chardonnay leads the blend in this Cava, also containing Xarel·lo and Parellada,
delivering fine brioche aromas and a youthful palate with golden stone fruits.
Imported by Codorníu UK
Pere Ventura Vintage Brut 2017 – DO Cava
Pere Ventura I Familia
A blend of Xarel·lo and Chardonnay, this Cava has a lively citrus character, layered with notes of almonds and crisp apple.
Imported by Enotria Winecellars
Sponsors
Jamón de Bellota Ibérico – 50% de Raza Ibérica
‘AWAKEN YOUR IBÉRICO SENSE’ is ASICI’s campaign aimed at promoting Jamón Ibérico in key international markets, with the support of the EU. Jamón Ibérico embodies a centuries-old tradition and stands as a symbol of excellence, artisanal mastery, and unmatched quality. Its captivating aroma, rich umami flavour, and delicate texture awaken the senses and evoke the authenticity of its origins.
Supplied by Asociación Interprofesional del Cerdo Ibérico
O-Med Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil
O-Med
Clear, bright golden, green colour. Aromas of medium green fruitiness, with hints of fresh cut grass and aromatic herbs. Long finish of artichokes, olive leaf and dried fruits. Awarded “Best Oil Bitter Green Fruity Category” and “Foods from Spain Best Extra Virgin Olive Oils Award” in the Alimentos de España Prizes 2024-2025. Consistently selected among the best extra virgin olive oils in the world.
Imported by Mevalco
Mondariz
Aguas de Mondariz
Aguas de Mondariz is a naturally balanced mineral-medicinal water of pure origin, filtered
through ancient granite which imparts golden reflections and enhances the water’s
crystalline clarity. Its smooth, refined texture offers a fresh, tactile sensation with a silky finish.
Imported by C&D Wines
Vichy Catalan genuine natural sparkling mineral water embodies 140 years of heritage,
prestige, and exceptional quality. Renowned in the world of table waters, it stands apart for its unmistakable flavour and the delicate finesse of its bubbles.
Imported by C&D Wines
Mahou Cinco Estrellas
Mahou SA
Founded in Madrid in 1890 by Casimiro Mahou’s family, Mahou is a leading Spanish beer brand and an iconic symbol of Madrid. Over seven generations, Mahou has maintained its passion for brewing, earning recognition as the most awarded Spanish beer range globally for seven consecutive years. With its authentic flavours and rich cultural heritage, Mahou embodies Madrid’s vibrant spirit.
Imported by Budweiser Brewing Group