Photo courtesy of the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino, L-R: Caballeros Pierre Mansour and Catriona Felstead MW; Charlie Foley; Chairman of the GOCV, Sarah Jane Evans MW; Nancy Green; Josef Emmett; His Excellency Mr. José Pascual Marco Martínez, Spanish Ambassador to the United Kingdom; Isobel Salomon; Miguel Crunia; Alberto Borge.
To mark its 40th anniversary, the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino (GOCV) proudly announced the six inaugural recipients of its new mentorship and bursary programme, designed to foster excellence and deepen expertise in Spanish wine among UK-based professionals.
The winners are:
Alberto Borge, general manager, Tast Català
Miguel Crunia, director, Fion
Josef Emmett, private Account Manager, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Charlie Foley, specialist and Auctioneer, Christie’s
Nancy Green, marketing manager, Indigo
Isobel Salomon, director, Slonk
The announcement was made at a celebratory event held at the Spanish Embassy in London, hosted by His Excellency Mr. José Pascual Marco Martínez, Spanish Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Sarah Jane Evans MW, Chair of the GOCV said, “This initiative creates a new network of trade processionals at the sharp end of the business. We are looking to recognize a new generation of ambassadors for Spanish wines. As Caballeros our aim is to ensure a bright and solid future for Spanish wines in the UK market.’
The gathering brought together leading figures from the wine trade to honour the next generation of Spanish wine champions.
The six selected mentees have each demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting Spanish wines in their respective fields. As part of the programme, each will receive:
A £500 bursary to support their professional development
One-on-one mentorship from established Caballeros of the GOCV, tailored to their area of expertise
This initiative is a cornerstone of the GOCV’s mission to nurture emerging talent and ensure a vibrant future for Spanish wines in the UK market.
Meet the 2025 GOVC Mentees:
Charlie Foley – Specialist & Auctioneer, Christie’s
Charlie brings theatrical flair and deep expertise to the world of fine wine auctions. As a lead auctioneer at Christie’s, he has hammered down legendary lots including the Macallan 1926 for £1.2 million. Known for his vibrant personality and encyclopedic wine knowledge, Charlie is passionate about Spanish wines with character and provenance.
Josef Emmett – Private Account Manager, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Josef manages high-value wine portfolios for private clients at Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest wine merchant. With a focus on bespoke cellar curation and investment-grade Spanish wines, he brings a refined palate and strategic insight to the mentorship programme.
Founder of Slonk, an international wine consultancy, Isobel blends legal acumen with sommelier expertise. She’s certified by various Spanish wine bodies and leads brand strategy, education, and event activation across Europe. Her work aims to demystify wine and champions inclusivity in the trade.
Ranked among the UK’s top sommeliers by Harpers, Miguel co-founded Fìon, a wine merchant specializing in emerging regions like Galicia and Gredos. His storytelling approach and advocacy for artisanal Spanish producers make him a dynamic force in wine education and retail.
Nancy is the creative mind behind Indigo’s storytelling, shaping how artisanal Spanish wines are presented to trade and consumers. Her writing and campaign work highlight sustainability, terroir, and the human stories behind each bottle.
Alberto oversees Tast Català, the acclaimed Manchester restaurant backed by Pep Guardiola and Paco Pérez. With a mission to educate British palates on Catalan cuisine and wine, Alberto curates immersive dining experiences that celebrate Spanish regional diversity.
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
Three new members were welcomed into the Gran Orden de Caballeros de Vino at the 40th Caballeros Investiture Dinner on the 12th June 2025 at London’s Landmark Hotel, led by Acting Chancellor, Pablo Conde and Chairman, Sarah Jane Evans MW.
The three new members, elected by secret ballot, include Ben Henshaw and Hugo Campbell, who represent excellence in the importation and sale of Spanish wine in the UK, and César Saldaña, President of the Consejo Regulador de las Denominaciones de Origen Jerez-Xérès-Sherry y Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Ben Henshaw
Ben entered the wine trade when his parents unexpectedly moved to become vignerons in the Languedoc. Recognising an opportunity, he began importing his family’s wines and a selection from small French producers. But soon after, he turned his attention to Spain, and specifically the country’s emerging artisanal wine scene.
He built an importing business, Indigo Wines, that, by 2009, had developed such a strong and diverse range of Spanish wines that it won the International Wine Challenge Spain Specialist Importer award. It’s a title the company has claimed 12 times since. The company is well known for showcasing the diversity and quality of modern Spanish wine in the UK through both its range and events such as Viñateros, a tasting which it organised over several years.
In 2020, Ben also helped set up online retailer The Sourcing Table, selling a range of distinctive wines direct to consumers.
César Saldaña
Born in Jerez de la Frontera, César Saldaña has been at the heart of the sherry business for his entire career after studying Economics and Business Administration. For more than 15 years he held senior posts at González Byass and at Sandeman, before becoming Director of the Consejo Regulador de las Denominaciones de Origen Jerez-Xérès-Sherry y Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda in 2000. Twenty years later, he was promoted to the role of President.
He is the author of a number of publications, most notably El Libro de los Vinos de Jerez, which has already been through three editions, including one in English.
Hugo Campbell
Having grown up in the Dominican Republic and Peru, Hugo Campbell joined the wine trade in 1981, but it was not until 1987 that he chanced upon an opportunity to keep up his Spanish, when he began working with Ehrmanns. A leading importer of Spanish wines into the UK, at the time it acted as agent for Muga, Félix Solís, Viñas del Vero, Sánchez Romate, Williams & Humbert and Juvé y Camps.
In the early 1990s, his international experience enabled him to coordinate winemaking projects across more than 15 countries. He also worked on major Spanish winemaking projects for retailers’ own label brands. A director since 2009, he still sources and sells wine at Ehrmanns, and Spain remains a key interest for him, with Ehrmanns now working with Rioja winery Montecillo, Txakoli producer Bodega Astobiza and Bodegas Bohórquez in DO Ribera del Duero, among others.
In welcoming the guests, Chairman of the Gran Orden Sarah Jane Evans MW, offered her congratulations to all three new Caballeros, commenting, “We look forward to working with you, as you continue to champion Spanish wine around the world.”
To mark its 40th anniversary the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino is establishing a mentorship programme to recognise the rising stars in the business of Spanish wine in the UK.
Designed to award UK wine trade professionals who actively demonstrate their love and commitment to Spanish wines, it is open to all UK-based wine professionals aged 40 or under.
Sarah Jane Evans MW, Chair of the GOCV said, “The new GOCV Mentorship programme aims to increase resonance for the Caballeros within the UK trade amongst a younger generation of wine trade professionals who demonstrate a passion for, or dedication to promoting Spanish wines in the UK. We plan to build a network of ambassadors for Spain’s wines. ”
Candidates can be nominated, or can self-nominate. Those chosen will have access to guidance and expert advice from working members of the GOCV for a specified period in their chosen specialist field which can be from:
Winemaking and viticulture
Winery business management
Marketing and Communications
Wine Education – WSET, MW, MBA…
Sales & Distribution
On- or Off-trade/Retail
ESG, Race to Zero, Sustainability
Designed to advocate for talent in our business, the initiative will create a new network of younger trade professionals to ensure a bright and solid future for Spanish wines in the market. Each year, up to five candidates will be selected to receive up to six hours of guidance and expert advice from working Caballeros/Members of the GOCV in their chosen specialist field as well as a £500 cash prize.
ELIGIBILITY
Wine trade professionals who are currently working in the UK wine trade and will be aged 40 or under on 31 December 2025.
Candidates will demonstrate an outstanding interest in/commitment to working with and promoting Spanish wines.
Open to importers, buyers, retailers, press/influencers, sommeliers working in the UK.
Existing Caballeros who are currently working in the wine trade are asked to nominate up to 3 candidates, from their professional circle, whom they consider to go above and beyond in the promotion or selling of Spanish wines in the UK. In addition candidates can self-nominate.
Eligible candidates could work for an importer or client, or as a Spanish wine buyer, or excel in writing/communicating about Spanish wines, or have an outstanding Spanish wine list/selection in their restaurant/retail outlet.
Each candidate will supply a 300-word introduction/pitch, with their CV, explaining why they should be considered.
Nominations will be open until midnight on the 12th July 2025, after which the GOCV Steering Committee will consider the nominations and select their list of candidates.
The mentees selected will be announced and promoted to the trade (press release and marketing campaign). The Gran Orden will arrange the introduction to their chosen mentor.
Terms and Conditions
All nominees should be resident in the UK
All nominees should work within the UK wine trade
All nominees should be aged 40 or under on the 31st December 2025
Winning Candidates will be awarded up to six hours of contact (online/via telephone or face-to-face depending on location/availability) with a mentor as selected by the GOVC to be arranged at their mutual convenience
The judges’ decision is final
TIMELINE
Call for entries – 13 May – 12 July 2025 Judging – July 2025 Announcement of Mentorship winners late September with reception at the Spanish Embassy
Caballero Norrel Robertson MW’s Monte Armantes vineyard in Calatayud, August 2024
By Anna Harris-Noble, November 2024
In his summary for jancisrobinson.com, Caballero Ferran Centelles described the 2024 vintage as “Short and challenging, with some bright spots, such as Galicia, where the harvest was small but the healthiest in a decade.”
One of the factors that provided both “bright spots” and challenges, was the rainfall. After two years of extensive drought, 2024 brought some respite to central and southern Spain but heavy downpours also caused issues in areas like Rioja, while eastern areas and the islands continued to be impacted by drought.
Of course, although occurring after the harvest, late October sadly saw torrential flooding in areas of Valencia with devastating effects, including tragic loss of life. Winery infrastructure was damaged, including the warehouses of Bodegas Vicente Gandía, where the late caballero José María Gandía Perales was CEO for many years, although thankfully, they were able to reopen after a few days.
It is still too early to know the exact level of damage to the wine sector, but the DO Valencia issued a statement on the 8th of November explaining that several vineyards have completely disappeared, “The landscape has changed, there are terraces that no longer exist,” and “several vine growers are evaluating whether to replant or not.”
We caught up with some of the caballeros to hear their thoughts on the 2024 vintage. Norrel Robertson MW, who makes wines in Calatayud, Aragon under his Escocés Volante label, commented in November:
“After two years of extensive drought, 2024 has brought almost double the annual rainfall so far and some respite to those involved in dry grown viticulture.
Winter rains came in January, then other important rain events followed throughout the growing season.
Yields are down in general – As fecundity and fruitfulness of the 2024 crop was based on plant nutrition and water availability the year before, there are a lot of vineyards that did not have many grapes this year, as the 2024 fruit was laid down in the buds during last year’s drought. There was also poor fruit set in many high altitude Garnacha vineyards around Aragón.
Frost events on the 23rd and 24th of April reduced yields in up to 25% of our vineyards situated in the Ribota and Manubles valleys, but spring rains insured at least a good recovery of growth.
Summer 2024 did not have the excessive heat and drought of 2022 and 2023 and as such the wines will be fresher, more balanced and long lived. Veraison started around the 20th of July and the lower temperatures ensured a regular veraison and a start date for us on the 16th of September finishing by the first week of October.
What must be noted in España Vaciada, “Empty Spain”, is that with less human activity in the countryside, pests have played a considerable part in damaging vineyards this year. Rabbits, boar and deer have run riot and the bird population has been at its highest in my 21 years in Calatayud.
Rainfall for August, September and October alone amounted to over 300 mm – around what we can expect for a whole year. This will play an important part in laying down reserves for 2025 and letting many vineyards recover long term.”
In general, central Spain experienced favorable conditions in 2024, and as such, Castilla La Mancha, responsible for almost two-thirds of Spain’s grape production, anticipates a large vintage due to moderate summer temperatures, ample spring rainfall, and a lack of pests and diseases. Extremadura also predicts a large harvest.
In the South, after four years of drought, DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry had some relief, with rainfall between 480-550 litres per square metre and cooler nighttime temperatures. The harvest yielded 62.5 million kilos, a 25% increase on the previous year.
In contrast, parts of northern Spain faced challenges due to heavy rainfall.
Rioja had a low production year, potentially the smallest of the century. The region had cooler temperatures and the wettest vintage since 2018, with over half of the 407mm of precipitation falling in September and October. La Rioja Alta, S.A. (Rioja), where Caballero Guillermo de Aranzabal is president, explained that this led to an accelerated harvest: “Rainfall throughout the harvest period required an accelerated selection and collection process, resulting in one of the shortest harvests in recent years. Variable grape qualities across different parcels suggest that the best wines will come from grapes harvested early in the season.”
Despite continuous rainfall throughout September and October in the Rioja Alavesa, the group’s Torre de Oña estate winery was in the areas that picked high quality grapes: “A short harvest with high quality allowed for selective harvesting in small boxes,” it highlighted.
Galicia faced issues with fruit shatter and fungal diseases due to damp conditions, but yields were not significantly affected. DO Rias Baixas saw a 5% decrease in harvest compared to the previous year. At Lagar de Fornelos (Rías Baixas), “Favorable weather conditions allowed for perfect grape ripeness and health. Production was lower than in 2023, but the quality remained high.”
DO Ribera del Duero faced challenges from frost and hailstorms that damaged some vineyards, but Áster (Ribera del Duero), described the harvest as “A very selective due to favourable weather. Low yields led to complete ripeness of the Tinta del País grapes and initial assessments indicate high wine quality.”
Neighbouring DO Rueda in Castilla y Leon had a more plentiful harvest, nearly 139 million kilos compared to 130 million in the previous year. Wet weather and high temperatures allowed for slow and progressive ripening, resulting in “very good quality musts.”
Eastern Spain and the islands continued to experience drought conditions, which led to particularly small vintages in DO Priorat, DO Jumilla and both the Canary and Balearic Islands.
Overall, the 2024 Spanish harvest presented both challenges and opportunities. While some regions benefited from increased rainfall, others continued to grapple with drought. Despite the difficulties, the dedication of Spain’s viticulturists and winemakers promises good quality wines from this diverse vintage.
