El Park Hyatt Hotel Zurich was the chosen setting to host a exclusive day occasion of Centennial of the Qualified Designation of Origin RiojaThe event brought together More than 300 professionals, prescribers, Masters of Wine, winemakers and wine lovers, highlighting the presence of figures such as Marc Almert, Best Sommelier in the World in 2019.
The celebration was a luxury showcase for great diversity of Rioja wines. The "showroom" or wine room He exhibited about 60 references of the Denomination, covering from reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines, even wines from Unique Vineyard and Municipality (Select), in different Crianza categories. Attendees were able to enjoy this rich variety paired with tapas, while touring the history and milestones of the hundred years of Rioja through decoration and a multimedia show who projected his legacy.
The experience featured luxury collaborations that They symbolize sophistication and authenticity Switzerland: the watchmaker Maurice de Mauriac and the chocolate maker The floraBoth firms, which exhibited a special watch piece and their exquisite products, respectively, shared with the DOCa Rioja values such as Reliability, quality, passion for origin and the ability to evolve.
Leonard DreifussMaurice de Mauriac's brand director highlighted the common thread: "As with high-end Swiss watches, The quality of Rioja wines is based on a high level of craftsmanshipAnd today we have seen it with the wines we have been able to taste, and for this reason we are proud to have collaborated in this very special anniversary event and we are sincerely grateful to Rioja."
For its part, Sara BarthWine Date shared his enthusiasm after the tasting: "Today I had the opportunity to taste 60 wines from 60 different producers, and I was able to discover Many new Rioja wines that I had never had the chance to taste, it was great"Without a doubt, I raise a glass to another hundred years of Rioja."
Master Classes and Round Tables with Renowned Winemakers
The day was complemented by high-quality educational activities. The expert David Schwarzwalder offered a advanced master class on the quality and evolution of Rioja wines, presenting a selection of 12 references which showed the richness of styles and the constant innovation of the Denomination.
In addition, a busy tasting-discussion brought together more than 100 people and was attended by renowned winemakers and representatives of Rioja, including Rafael Vivanco, Ana Martín Onzain, Mariasun Sáenz de Samaniego, Lalo Antón y Javier Ruiz de Galarreta. They acted as hosts and offered a closer view of the Denomination, tasting 10 other references. The round table was moderated by Thomas Vaterlaus, editor-in-chief of the specialized magazine Vinum.
Vaterlaus pointed to the positive evolution of the DOCa's image: "Rioja became very well known in Switzerland for its classification by aging categories, and continues to strengthen its image and presence with Village Wines and Unique Vineyard WinesThese wines, with their focus on origin and refined, made a great impression at the round table with renowned producers.
The agenda of the Centenary in Switzerland was completed with a paired food all with media, opinion leaders and influencers of the country, strengthening ties and presence of Rioja in the Swiss market. This event follows the "Prestige Tasting" held in St. Gallen in May, and underlines the importance of Switzerland , the high value strategic market for the DOCa, where the marketing of Rioja reached almost 4 million liters in 2024 and where the average selling price is one of the highest.
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