About Simply Spanish Wine

Simply Spanish Wine's mission is to help the world understand how great Spanish wine really is. Forget your French chateaux and your Australian Shiraz. Spanish wine has got everything you need. So join us on a journey through the world of Spanish wine and find out what make Spanish wines among the best in the world.

The project was founded by Matthew Desoutter who Matthew is the driving force behind Simply Spanish Wine. He first entered the wine world more than 30 years ago, working at Stephen Spurrier’s wonderful Les Caves de la Madeleine wine shop in Paris. 

From there he headed south to Madrid where he spent twenty years at the British Embassy focused on agriculture, environment and economic issues.

During that time, he developed a broad network of friends and contacts across the Spanish wine sector, as well as a deep understanding of the economic links between the UK and Spain. He also continued to develop his love and knowledge of wine through study and regular interaction with Spanish wineries.

In 2016, Matthew decided to leave the embassy and dedicate himself full-time to the wine world. Combining his network of contacts in Spain, his knowledge of the bilateral trade environment, and his wine qualifications, Matthew set up Desoutter & James SL to export wine to the UK, particularly distributors to the UK on-trade.

Simply Spanish Wine is an extension of that project, focused on helping a global audience to understand how great Spanish wine really is.

Matthew is supported in his efforts by Ben Giddings, a professional writer and communications strategist who runs the SSW website and writes content for the website and the weekly newsletter. He also happens to be a passionate wine enthusiast and since moving to Spain 20 years ago, he has spent his free time travelling and tasting his way around the country.