SPANISH WINE SALES UP 19%

The U.S. has become the third largest foreign export market for Rioja wines of Spain, with 6.8 million liters sold in 2006, an increase of 13% over the previous year. Overall, sales of Rioja wine reached an all-time high in 2006, with more than 261 million liters sold and a 4.3 % growth from 2005, according to a regulatory board that oversee wine production for the Rioja region.

According to IRI, sales of Spanish table wine were up 19% in the four weeks to February 25, while volume was up 12%. Spain was the third fastest growing import behind New Zealand and Argentina.