The distributors are responsible for ensuring that the different wines reach the public, either through restaurants or through stores. In Spain we have a clear reference, Vila Viniteca. The work of Quim Vila, at the head of the Spanish distribution flagship, is admirable and is contributing to the world’s great wines being in many of our restaurants, a task that is always appreciated. Other major distributors are Bodeboca, Lavinia, Decántalo or Alma Vinos Únicos. At a specific level, we have Á la volé, specialized in champagne. Fortunately, these are not the only ones, since the truth is that there are more and more distributors with references other than the usual ones, as is the case of Eclectic Vins by Daniel Monsonis. Also in Valencia, we have Minimal Wines, Els Vignerons and Beals. All of them will allow us to enjoy the wines of the terroir philosophy.
Another of the fundamental pieces of the world of wine is the figure of the sommelier, who allows us to choose the most appropriate wine with the chosen menu in a restaurant. There are true teachers, with infinite knowledge. Possibly the most iconic figure is Gerard Basset, who is the only person in the world to hold the titles of Master of Wine, Master Sommelier, Best Sommelier in the World, OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) and Wine MBA. There it is nothing, a good bouquet of titles. However, in Spain we have extraordinary professionals. José Antonio Navarrete, sommelier at Quique Dacosta’s restaurant; Alberto Redrado, in L’Escaleta; Pitu Roca, at the Celler de Can Roca; David Rabasa, in Ricard Camarena; Juan Ruiz Henestrosa; Pilar Cavero; Manoli Romeralo; Mónica Fernández are good examples of this. This list is another mere example because, as I mentioned at the beginning, the representation is just a small example.