Welcome to our 2008 list and what challenging times lie ahead....
Our economy - closely linked, like our unfortunate politics - to that of the US, is fragile, our currency precarious against the euro and the Australian dollar, and the government whacks duty up. Small wonder that these are nervous times, in addition to a quite a tricky recent European harvest, ever rising packaging and soaring energy costs. However, potential gloom and doom apart, it is pleasing to see that we at Moreno Wines have been prospering over the last year; and in particular since the incorporation of Alex Canneti, who is not only directing our commercial team with allthe charm, aplomb and determination that he lavishes so energetically wherever he goes, but also by virtue of the fact that he has extended our activities most effectively into Italy - initially with pedigree Prosecco producers Mionetto, more recently with organic Chianti Classico producers Badia a Coltibuono; and more will certainly follow.
He has also taken us seriously into France - with the multi-faceted Bordeaux negociant Ginestet, and Mike Ritchie MW's advice and guidance on the finer aspects of things Francophile. Equally, it is heartening to see that our offerings from the southern hemisphere are also triumphing - with ever more waking up to both the glories of Kym Tolley's Penley Estate wines from Coonawarra and also the splendid, characterful wines of Familia Schroeder of Patagonia - whose wonderful sparkling Torrentés (Deseado) and top red cuvée we have also shipped this year for the first time.
Chile remains an excellent source of clean, reliable, commercial wines and we are therefore currently at work extending our popular Santiago range, which went to screw-cap late last year, when we also introduced the delicious, extra fruity Santiago Rosé. We will be looking to introduce new Chilean wines as well this year. Last but by no means least there is Spain... which sees a plethora of new offerings this year; with 3 new wines from Richard Sanz in Rueda and beyond; from our old friends el Jalón in Maluenda/Calatayud - aided big time by charismatic English Export director Martin Bove - a cracking, re-blended Viña Alarba in addition to their very accomplished high-end Las Pizarras duo; and we also have new wines from Covides, Inurrieta, Navajas, Parxet, even Txomin Etxaniz, and the excellent Valdespino.
Further, we have 2 new Spanish Agencies - Espelt from the Empordà and Rosalía de Castro, with its playful Paco & Lola from Rías Baixas. And if we are gaining ground, then you must be too, as our infrastructure relies on a growing network of similarly attuned distributors - be it in the restaurant sector, indie retailing, or with good quality, interested wholesalers.Equally, of course, as specialists with a growing sphere of influence and contacts, we do a great deal that does not feature on any lists.
In short, we thank you, as always, for your continued support and enthusiasm; and remain, as ever, firmly optimistic - as we hope you will. Our price list is produced separately. An up to date copy can be requested from any member of the Moreno sales team. You can download an electronic version of our current catalogue in PDF format by clicking the link below.
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