UK top destination for Rioja

The UK is the top importing country for Rioja, according to the latest figures. Nearly 32 million litres of the popular Spanish wine came here in 2007, accounting for more than a third of total exports and making us by far the biggest destination country for it. The amount also represents an increase of 13.7% on the previous year.

Germany was the second largest importer, with just under 15 million litres, while Switzerland was third, with nearly 7 million litres, according to data from Rioja’s Consejo Regulador DOC.

Sales of Rioja continue to soar in the UK, with volume up 18% and value up 20% compared to 2006, show figures from Nielsen. Reserva was the category that most increased, up nearly 29% over the previous year. The average price of a bottle of wine from Rioja has also increased to £5.20, which is £1.19 above the average for light wine.