Sligro Wine Experience 2024: Culinary Inspiration.
As autumn arrives, it’s once again time for Sligro’s annual Wine Experience—a day-long event that perfectly pairs food and wine, hosted by Sligro, one of the Netherlands’ largest wholesalers. This year’s program was as impressive as ever, filled with tastings, masterclasses, and plenary sessions led by food producers and wineries.
Held at the renowned ZiN Inspiratielab in Veghel, Sligro’s event provided a premier venue designed to elevate the food and wine experience for hospitality professionals. This year, more than 40 wineries presented 200 wines, including globally acclaimed producers. The event served as an educational showcase, with masterclasses focused on winery highlights, food and wine pairings, and emerging culinary trends.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the standout wines we tasted from world-class wineries at the event. Additionally, we’ll soon publish an in-depth interview with two featured wineries—stay tuned for more on that. For an overview of last year’s event click here.
Rolland & Galarreta
Founded in 2010, Rolland & Galarreta is a collaborative winery created by renowned French winemaker Michel Rolland and Spanish wine visionary Javier Galarreta. Their wines expertly blend traditional Spanish grape varieties with Rolland’s signature techniques, appealing to wine enthusiasts worldwide.
For a deeper insight into Michel and Javier’s winemaking philosophy and the unique synergy behind Rolland & Galarreta, check out our upcoming interview and article, which delves deeper into their vision. Here we will also provide a tasting overview of their distinctive, character-driven wines.
2019 Verdejo | 100% Verdejo | Rueda
Verdejo is the native variety in Rueda. This wine is a serious style. Grapes sourced from old vines. Multiple sorting, cold maceration, partly fermented in oak, extended aging on the lees, contribute its quality and lift the palate.
Aromatic tropical note (melon), blossom, citrus zest, a hint of spice on the nose. Textured rich body is counterbalanced by its refreshing high acidity.
We reward this wine with a 91-point DWA score (KU).
2019 Parcelas en Altura | 85% Tempranillo, 15% Merlot | Ribera Del Duero
Native variety, Tempranillo, is supported by the French-origin, Merlot. Grapes sourced from old vines (35 years old) in very rocky, poor calcareous soil at high altitude (900m). Controlled fermentation with multiple temperature, aging in French oak casks for 12 months.
Ripe fresh red and black fruits (berry, cherry), spices (liquorice, cinnamon), violet. Opulent fruits and refined soft texture with fresh acidity. Could have had higher acidity, but delightful velvety texture.
We reward this wine with a 91-point DWA score (KU).
2019 Clos d’en Ferran | Cariñena, Garnacha, White Garnacha, Macabeo, Viognier, Pedro Jiménez | Priorat
A blend of native varieties in Priorat. Long maceration at low temperature in oak and aged in French and American oak.
Sweet aromas from both fruits and spices, with blackberries, black cherry, cherry blossom, cinnamon, spices, and lavender. Juicy, rich, opulent taste with silky tannins, ripe tannins and refreshing high acidity.
We reward this wine with a 93-point DWA score (KU).
2016 Rolland & Galarreta Iconic Rioja | Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano | Rioja
Grapes sourced from old vines (40 years or older) in Rioja Alavesa. Fermented in French oak casks. Cold maceration, whole bunch fermentation, frequent pigeage, and aged in French oak.
Seductive concentrated aromas of red cherry, red plum, blackberry, blueberry jam, with oaky tobacco, and a spicy edge. Sophisticated texture with silky tannins and fresh acidity. Long-lasting persistent finish. Plush, earthy and savory exuberance.
We reward this wine with a 96-point DWA score (KU).
Zuccardi Valle de Uco
Argentina’s iconic Zuccardi winery has gained global acclaim, earning the title of “World’s Best Vineyard” from 2019 to 2022. Nestled in the unique terroir of the Uco Valley at altitudes starting from 1,100 meters, this area has seen the establishment of new Geographic Indications (GIs) based on distinct climatic and soil characteristics, such as Paraje Altamira in San Carlos. The Zuccardi family has expanded their vineyards here, crafting wines that authentically capture the essence of the region.
For an in-depth understanding, stay tuned, as Jose Zuccardi himself will be our guest in Season 2 of our Podcast Grape Masters.
2020 José Zuccardi Malbec | 95% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Dominant grape, Malbec, sourced from Paraje Altamira, whose soil is based on an alluvial fan, with high percentage of calcium carbonate and a stony topsoil. At the lower altitude than Gualtallary, Malbec becomes more intense, and fuller bodied. Vinification includes, the selection of clusters, fermentation with native yeasts in concrete vessels, and aging for 24 months in foudres (2500 liters).
Rich, dense, opulent fruity aromas of black cherry, blueberry, violet, coffee, dried herbs, and sweet spices from the oak. Very dense and velvety texture, structured with high crisp acidity and velvety chewy tannins integrated on the palate. Long-lasting finish with salinity and minerality.
We reward this wine with a 94-point DWA score (KU).
2020 Finca Los Membrillos Semillon | 100% Semillon | Paraje Altamira
Single vineyard, Finca Los Membrillos in Paraje Altamira, where a temperate climate with cold nights and significant temperature variation is present. Medium-depth alluvial soil, with superficial sandy loam texture, and subsoil with large granite stones covered with calcareous material. Fermented with native yeasts in untoasted French oak barrels and aged for two years in the same oak vessels.
A stunningly precise wine with layered complexity. Intense yet restrained aromas of quince, orange peel, apricot, lemon zest, honey, and beeswax. Full-bodied with a creamy, waxy texture, balanced by a saline, mineral finish that delivers notable tension and depth.
We reward this wine with a 97-point DWA score (KU).
2020 Finca Los Membrillos Cabernet Sauvignon | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon from the same single vineyard. After being hand-harvested, vinification includes the use of gravity to fill, fermentation in concrete vessels with native yeasts, and aging in 500-litre French oak barrels.
Ripe red cassis and black plums and blueberries, liquorice, spices, a hint of herbal (mint) notes, and vanilla. Refined fine tannins and lively acidity are well balanced. A powerhouse with elegance.
We reward this wine with a 96-point DWA score (KU).
Ken Forrester Wines
Ken Forrester began crafting wines under his own label in 1994 on the historic Scholtzenhof farm in Stellenbosch, one of the oldest vineyards in South Africa’s Cape Winelands. The estate includes vines planted as early as the 1970s, bringing a distinctive depth and character to his wines. These mature vines play a crucial role in shaping the winery’s reputation, especially for its renowned Chenin Blanc, which have consistently garnered acclaim from critics for their complexity and quality.
2021 The FMS Chenin Blanc | 100% Chenin Blanc
Crafted from old bush in the certified vineyard by OVP (Old Vine Project). Vinification includes hand-harvested, naturally fermented in French oak about 50% new oak and aged for a year in barrel on the lees.
Intense fruit characters of quince, apricot, chamomile, vanilla, honey. Vibrant high acidity, harmonious on the palate with a persistent finish.
We reward this wine with a 94-point DWA score (KU).
2014 The Gypsy GSM Renegade Shiraz-Grenache-Mourvèdre | 63% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre
Low yields of small, concentrated berries led to a limited production of just over 1,500 bottles. The grapes, grown in granite soils at an elevation of 450 meters, were carefully hand-harvested. After cold soaking, fermentation was conducted with natural yeast, followed by nearly three years of barrel aging and an additional two years of bottle maturation, allowing the wine to develop depth and complexity.
Concentrated, layered aromas of red fruits including ripe wild red cherry, red berry, spices (nutmeg, liquorice, clove), vanilla. Structured by firm tannins and vibrant acidity, yet a harmonious palate, with a mineral long finish.
We reward this wine with a 94-point DWA score (KU).
Kleine Zalze
Kleine Zalze, located in Stellenbosch, is renowned for both red and white varietals, particularly its Chenin Blanc, which has played a significant role in South Africa’s Chenin Blanc revival. Many of their Chenin Blanc vines are heritage vines, planted over 35 years ago in decomposed granite soils, producing lower yields with greater concentration.
2022 Family Reserve Chenin Blanc | 100% Chenin Blanc
Crafted from three different wards and soils (Decomposed Granite, Oakleaf, and Duplex) in Stellenbosch. Canopy management is essential to avoid direct sunlight. Skin contacts for 12-18 hours, fermentation and maturation in multiple vessels including stainless-steel tank, concrete eggs, old French oak barrels, and terracotta amphora, contributing to its complexity.
Quince, apricot, lemon, melon, white flowers, and honey on the nose. Complex in the mouth and well-integrated with oak. A hint of minerality in the aftertaste.
We reward this wine with a 91-point DWA score (KU).
2017 Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Intense dark fruits aromas of black plum, cassis, both fruits and oak spices (liquorice, clove), herbs (mint), and a hint of tobacco on the nose. Juicy and opulent on the palate, with refreshing acidity.
We reward this wine with a 92-point DWA score (KU).
Sligro Wine Experience 2024: Conclusion
What sets this event apart is its unique blend of food and wine experiences. Wine and food booths are intermingled throughout the space, creating a dynamic, maze-like journey that reminds us how culinary excitement thrives at the intersection of food and wine.
The broad range of wines available—from affordable, everyday options to premium selections for special occasions, as well as a globally wide range of food options—highlights Sligro commitment to educating customers about both food and wine in a way that’s engaging and memorable.
This event was covered by our own Laura Heijs, Kazumi Uejo and Niels Aarts. We would like to thank Sligro, in particular Joris Aarts and Philippe Delleman, and all participating partners for this great event. All mentioned wines and wineries are available through Sligro’s Horeca portfolio, which also provides direct account management and support.
Picture credits: Sligro and Dutch Wine Apprentice.
