Viña Pomal celebrates its centenary

Grupo Codorníu wine brand Viña Pomal, from the Bodegas Bilbaínas winery in Rioja, celebrates its centenary this month (November 09). To mark this occasion the winery has created a new look and a new name for its Viña Pomal Reserva.
 
Viña Pomal Reserva Seleccion Centenario (Centenary Selection) 2004 is dressed with a new label, embellished with gold lettering highlighting the terms ’Reserva’ and ‘Seleccion Centenario’. This new wine is available from the beginning of November.

Carolyn d’Aguilar, brand manager at Grupo Codorníu, says: “It’s a great achievement to be celebrating 100 years. The new look label emphasises the exceptional heritage and quality of this wine to the consumer.”

Bodegas Bilbaínas was founded in 1901 and the Viña Pomal brand was conceived in 1904. However it wasn’t until 1909 that wines bearing the Viña Pomal name were first sold and also exported to the UK.

In 1952 the head of the London office of Bodegas Bilbaínas delivered a case of Viña Pomal to the Prime Minister Winston Churchill at 10 Downing Street. Churchill along with Salvador Dali, was rumoured to be a big fan of Viña Pomal.

Based in Haro, Bodegas Bilbaínas is one of the oldest estates in Rioja. With its 250 hectares, it also has the largest vineyard holding in the prestigious region of Rioja Alta.

Viña Pomal Reserva Seleccion Centenario is 100% Tempranillo and is aged for 18 months in French and American oak and a minimum of two years in bottle. Viña Pomal Seleccion Centenario 2004 is available to UK Independent wine merchants with a RRP of £10.99.

1 November 2009 - Felicity Murray