Tastings with Matthew Clark: Bringing the essence of Rioja wines beyond our borders
There are experiences that transcend the glass, and one of them is the tastings with Matthew Clark, our long-standing partner in the United Kingdom for over three decades. Every autumn, we embark on a small British tour that has become a fixed date on Bodegas Corral’s international calendar. Three cities, hundreds of glasses poured, countless conversations and smiles, and one shared mission: to bring the essence of our Rioja wines beyond our borders.
A Bridge between Rioja and the United Kingdom
When we say that Bodegas Corral wines travel well, we’re not just talking about transport. We’re talking about how our new vintages manage to connect with diverse audiences — from restaurateurs to sommeliers, wine lovers, and distributors. Each Matthew Clark tasting is an opportunity to show who we are, share what we do, and above all, to feel the response of those who will ultimately serve our wines in their daily work.
We take part in three key cities: London, Bristol, and Manchester — three points that perfectly capture British diversity, both in style and audience. At each stop, between 300 and 400 wine professionals gather to taste, discuss, and explore the trends that will shape the wine market in the coming months.
An international showcase for our new vintages
At these professional tasting events, we present the new vintages of Bodegas Corral to Matthew Clark’s clients, a leading distributor in the UK with whom we share a long-standing and solid relationship. Their network includes restaurants, hotels, and all kinds of specialty venues, making each tasting an exceptional stage to showcase the character and authenticity of Rioja.
The days are intense. From the early hours, tables fill with glasses, tasting sheets, and curiosity. We arrive with suitcases packed with history — and with wine. This time, the stars of the show were our new vintages of Don Jacobo and Altos de Corral, wines that embody the tradition and commitment to quality that have defined us for more than 120 years.
Each tasting is also an exercise in listening. We’re keen to learn how British professionals perceive our wines, what their customers are looking for, and how their market is evolving. Trends come and go, but one thing remains constant: the trust in Rioja wine as a symbol of elegance, balance, and authenticity.
More than a tasting: A meeting between teams
One of the most rewarding aspects of the tastings with Matthew Clark is the chance to spend time with their commercial team. It’s not just about presenting wines — it’s about building relationships. During the event days, we hold internal tastings, discuss each wine in depth, and, why not, also share team-building moments that strengthen our collaboration.
Each city has its own atmosphere. In London, the energy of the crowd can be felt from the very first glass — it’s the epicenter of trends, the place everyone wants to be. Bristol offers a more relaxed, almost family-like mood, where conversations flow easily between glasses and smiles. And in Manchester, we meet an inquisitive and demanding audience, always ready to discuss grape varieties, styles, and terroirs.
Each stop leaves us with anecdotes, lessons, and, above all, the satisfaction of seeing that our Rioja wines keep their identity even far from home. Because if there’s one thing that defines us, it’s our ability to connect tradition and modernity, history and the present, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Three days, hundreds of glasses, and one shared passion
The Matthew Clark tastings bring together producers from all over the world — French, Italian, New Zealand, Chilean… and us, proud Spanish representatives of Rioja. Sharing space with so many nationalities reinforces the idea that wine is a universal language. Each producer tells a story, and every glass is an invitation to travel.
Between chats and tastings, a map of aromas, styles, and visions of wine takes shape. And within that diverse setting, the wines of Bodegas Corral stand out for their consistency and authenticity. We don’t need grand gestures to tell our story — time, the vineyard, and respect for the land do the work for us.
A commitment that renews each year
Our relationship with Matthew Clark is no coincidence. It’s the result of years of working together, a shared history that has built mutual trust. They understand our philosophy, and we value their network and expertise in the British market. That synergy can be felt in every tasting, where organization, logistics, and professionalism come close to perfection.
Year after year, we reaffirm our commitment to being present at these events. Not only because they allow us to strengthen the presence of our Rioja wines in the UK, but because we believe in the importance of human connection. In an increasingly digital world, looking someone in the eye as they taste your wine remains irreplaceable.
The future of rioja in the British Market
The United Kingdom continues to be one of the most important markets for Rioja. Despite economic changes and new consumption habits, the British public maintains a deep respect for tradition and a natural affinity for our wines. The tastings with Matthew Clark confirm a growing interest in wines with identity, in wineries with history, and in wines that speak of their origin.
In that sense, Bodegas Corral has much to share. Our location along the Camino de Santiago, our work with high-altitude vineyards, and our commitment to sustainability allow us to offer wines that look to the future without losing their roots. And in a market as demanding as the British one, that’s a genuine advantage.
A closing toast to shared success
When the last tasting ends, we pack the glasses, store the bottles, and say goodbye to the Matthew Clark team with the feeling that we’ve once again achieved our goal: to represent Rioja with pride. The comments, questions, and congratulations we receive are the best motivation to keep improving, vintage after vintage.
On the way home, fatigue mixes with satisfaction. We know we haven’t just offered tastings — we’ve shared experiences. Behind every glass poured lies a continuing story, a lasting connection, and a growing project.
Ultimately, the tastings with Matthew Clark are far more than a business event. They are a celebration of wine, of people, and of the bonds woven between vineyards, glasses, and borders. A unique opportunity to reaffirm who we are and to keep taking the name of Bodegas Corral wherever wine is truly enjoyed.