The agreement, which covers Great Britain and the Channel Islands, sees Berkmann take on exclusive distribution of Tempos Vega Sicilia’s wines to all trade channels, with immediate effect.

Berry Bros. and Rudd, as parent of Vega Sicilia’s former agent Fields, Morris and Verdin, will continue to import the wines directly for sales to their private clients.

Bodegas Vega Sicilia was founded in 1864 at the western end of what is now the Ribera del Duero DO. The three wines produced on the estate – Unico, Unico Reserva Especial and Valbuena 5º – are more than standard-bearers for their appellation. They have long occupied the very top tier of Spanish fine wine, and remain among the most recognised and sought-after wines in the world. Following Vega Sicilia’s acquisition by the Álvarez family in 1982, the company established several new bodegas, each of which has become a benchmark for quality in its own right. Alión, also in Ribera del Duero, was followed by Pintia in Toro, and Macán, a joint venture with Edmond de Rothschild in Rioja. The family were also quick to invest in Tokaj following the end of communism, founding Oremus there in 1993.

Commenting on the new partnership, Antonio Menéndez, general manager of Tempos Vega Sicilia, said “Great Britain is a key strategic market for Tempos Vega Sicilia. We truly believe BWC will take our wines to the next level in terms of distribution in on and off premises. The main priority for TVS is to ensure that our wines are properly delivered to all British customers and the BWC team offers us this possibility.”

Alex Hunt MW, purchasing director of Berkmann Wine Cellars, added “it is an immense privilege to be embarking on this partnership with one of the world’s greatest wine producers. Despite their august history and seemingly unassailable reputation, Vega Sicilia strive for continual improvement with an open-mindedness and energy that keep them way ahead of the game. The Álvarez family’s achievements are remarkable, and they are an inspiring addition to our portfolio of pioneering producers. As optimism starts to return to the trade, we are very much looking forward to writing the next chapters of our history in partnership.”

Max Lalondrelle, managing director for fine wine buying at Berry Bros. & Rudd adds: “Following the recent review, and in consultation with Tempos Vega Sicilia, Fields Morris & Verdin is proud to hand over trade distribution to Berkmann Wine Cellars. We believe that Berkmann will be an excellent partner to take on FM&V’s good work over many years and its strong UK distribution network for these wines. Given Berry Bros. & Rudd’s long and proud association with Tempos Vega Sicilia, we are delighted to continue to maintain direct access to the wines for our private customer business.”

The latest vintages from Vega Sicilia, including Unico 2011 and Valbuena 5º 2016, will be released simultaneously by Berkmann and Berry Bros. in February.