PEÑÍN GUIDE TO SPANISH WINE 2008

by José Peñín
(Grupo Peñín, $35)

José Peñín, journalist and Chairman of Grupo Peñín, announced the debut of the English translation of the Peñín Guide to Spanish Wine 2008 to a group of wine professionals and press at New York City’s W New York — Union Square on April 3. The current issue of the guide, released annually for the last nineteen years, includes tasting notes and reviews of 8,100 wines, and lists more than 31,000 bottles. Grupo Peñín now prints 30,000 copies of its guide in Spanish, English and German. Along with the bilingual announcement, Peñín held a press conference in which he and other experts (including sommelier Roger Kugler of Boqueria & Suba) discussed misconceptions surrounding Spanish wine, the effect of currency exchange on the industry and other pressing issues. Following the discussion was the second annual showing of the New Values of Spanish Wines, a tasting from 25 Spanish bodegas, including the 2002 Divo, a Madrid Tempranillo from Ricardo Benito, and the 2005 Celler Melis poured by partner Victor Gallegos, who is also Director of Winemaking at Sea Smoke in Santa Barbara County.

Whether you're new to the world of Spanish wines or a seasoned expert, this book is a must have for people who want to stay up to date on Spanish wines.

* Image from Grupo Peñín

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