Cellar performance as Rioja exports increase

RIOJA exports increased by 4% last year, new figures show.

Over 108 million litres were shipped out, with most growth seen in newer markets such as Russia, which was up by 40% and China, which is up by 17%.

However, the growth was not just to emerging markets, with the UK also increasing its importation of Rioja by 3.2% on 2016.

Sales of white and rose grew by 61% and 42.3% by volume respectively in the UK.

Rioja makes up 31% of all Spanish DO-labelled wine exports with its average bottle price 49% higher than other Spanish DO wines.

In the UK, Rioja accounts for nearly half (49%) of all Spanish wine sold by value with a bottle setting you back on average £6.79, in comparison to the overall average wine price of £5.64.