Compañia Vinicola del Norte de España (CVNE) has purchased Cava D.O, producer of Roger Goulart. This marks the company's first venture outside of Rioja.

The Penedès (Catalonia) based winery joins the CVNE portfolio of four separate Rioja wineries – Cune, Imperial, Vina Real and Contino – and Hatch Mansfield will distribute its Roger Goulart Gran Cuvée Gran Reserva 2011 in the UK from April.

Founded in 1882 by the Canal family and located in Sant Esteve Sesrovires, Roger Goulart only produces Cavas and was one of the first wineries to produce traditional method sparkling wine. Using predominately the local Xarel.lo grape variety, the wines are made for ageing and do so in the underground cellars.

Victor Urrutia, CEO of CVNE comments: “We are very excited about this addition to our portfolio. We’ve been looking at wineries outside of Rioja for a while and are thrilled to announce that Roger Goulart will join our portfolio.  We plan to keep the historical and cultural legacy of the winery alive.”

CVNE is one of the oldest wineries in Rioja but remains in family control.

Read more at source The Drinks Report