June 7, 2021 – Effective July 1, Classical Wines from Spain, the illustrious Spanish importer, will join The Sorting Table, importer of Domaine Dujac, Bernard Moreau, Castello di Ama and other renowned wines. The introduction of a Spanish portfolio further cements The Sorting Table’s stature as a premier global wine importer. The Classical portfolio will operate independently from the current portfolio of The Sorting Table. Classical Wines will become known as Classical Wines, Imported by The Sorting Table and will continue its focus on world-class wines from the Iberian Peninsula.
“The Sorting Table is incredibly proud to be able to continue the Classical Wines journey started by founders Steve Metzler and Almudena de Llaguno in 1984,” said Ted Wynot, the chief executive officer of The Sorting Table. “Our focus remains on representing authentic family-owned wineries who grow their own grapes and are true stewards of the land.”
Classical Wines has long been recognized as a pioneer in introducing Spanish wines to the American market. Their search for individual family vineyards in Spain coincided with the burst of artistic energy that typified that country’s first decade of reborn democracy. “We opened the door [to Spain] and have seen many changes throughout the years,” said de Llaguno, “but our Spanish producers have prevailed because of their commitment to authenticity. We feel proud to have taken part in that.”
“Our task,” said Metzler, “was to send the message to the fine wine community that Spain produced credible and worthy European wines. Spain was particularly susceptible to the trend toward overripe, over-extracted, and over-oaked wines and is now equally susceptible to the trend in the opposite direction. Authenticity does not recognize trends, and that philosophy is reflected in the name Classical Wines.”
The Sorting Table, a Napa, California based wine and boutique spirits importer, created in 2006, is a champion in searching out grape growers who own and tend their vineyards, farm their vineyards using sustainable, organic, or biodynamic practices and who are recognized as leading winemakers in the wine regions they call home.
