Former Head of Winemaking Arthur O’Connor to Continue on a Consulting Basis, Alejandro López Promoted to Technical Manager at Bodegas Bilbainas
NEW YORK, NY (August 4, 2016) — Effective immediately, Diego Pinilla has been appointed Chief Winemaker of the Codorníu Raventós Group, with oversight of the company’s ten global wineries in Spain, Napa Valley and Argentina. Pinilla was previously the Technical Manager for Bodegas Bilbaínas in Rioja. In his new role Pinilla will guide corporate winemaking strategy and lead the company’s highest-end projects, while coordinating exchange and collaboration on a global basis. Pinilla will also drive vineyard classification as part of the Codorníu Raventós Group’s continuing commitment to crafting terroir-driven wines, while managing a close connection to consumer markets.
In 2015, Codorníu Raventós Group collectively won 150 international honors, making it the most awarded winemaking group in Spain. Pinilla will oversee innovation and fine winemaking for Codorníu, Raimat, Bodegas Bilbaínas, Scala Dei, Legaris, Abadía de Poblet, Artesa, Septima, Bach and Nuviana.
Pinilla was appointed Technical Manager of Bodegas Bilbaínas in 2007, responsible for all viticulture and winemaking. Under his direction, Viña Zaco and Viña Pomal emerged as leading Rioja wines in the U.S. market. Among other achievements Pinilla pioneered a comprehensive study of the distinctive terroirs of Bodegas Bilbaínas to support the launch of new vineyard-driven wines, considered a benchmark around the world.
Alejandro López will take over as Technical Manager of Bodegas Bilbaínas. López joined the winery in 2010 and has played an active role in its many accomplishments. With over 15 harvests to his name, López has prior experience in the United States, Italy and Chile.
Arthur O’Connor, previously the group’s Chief Winemaker, will continue as a winemaking consultant for the company, taking on the post of “Winemaker Emeritus.” Since 2006, O’Connor has been a key management figure at the Codorníu Raventós Group, and a driving force behind the company’s reputation for quality winemaking worldwide.
About the Codorníu Raventós Group
Bodegas y Viñedos Codorníu Raventos owns ten wineries, eight of which are in Spain (Bilbaínas, Legaris, Scala Dei, Raimat, Bach, Nuviana, Abdias de Poblet and Codorníu Wineries), one in Napa Valley, California (Artesa) and another in Mendoza, Argentina (Septima). For more information, please visit: http://www.codorniuraventos.com/en.
