A Passion or Madness? Sergio Saúca, Sports journalist and wine enthusiast When drunk in moderation, wine is a healthy option even for successful sports personalities Who is responsible for the discovery of wine and how did they convert it into one of the most sought after beverages? In the 70’s my father and his friends spent their free time discovering new wines and the history behind them. Fate has it that in 1998, TVE sent me to Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world, to present the World Cup. It was here that I became a true wine. There, each bottle is in a class of its own. They reserve the most exclusive setting in restaurants for wine show casing, there are no wine menus. You select the wine of your choice and return to your table. In the 5 weeks that I spent in Bordeaux, my affinity for wine grew. Let’s talk about project Cepa 21 It all began when I met José Moro from the Emilio Moro winery. Joseph discussed the possibility of creating a winery in touch with the 21st Century with friends and wine enthusiasts. The first Cepa 21 I tasted was in 2001. The dream became reality. Ronaldo, García Calvo and even you…sporting celebrities who joined up with personalities such as Imanol Arias, have dedicated their time in developing the Cepa 21 project. Do you believe that wine and sport are compatible? Is wine really healthy? If drunk in moderation, I believe so, yes. To give you an example, Martín Fiz and Miguel Indurain…two of the world’s best sports celebrities, accompany their meals with a glass of wine. When drunk in moderation, wine is a healthy option even for successful sports personalities. What are your favourite wines? Well, in truth I love most wines so it would be hard for me to condemn any. I do however enjoy wines from, Vega Sicilia, Malleolus, Finca el Bosque, Aurus and Marqués de la Concordia Hacienda Susar, a truly magnificent wine. Have you ever received a wine gift that you have fond memories of? My wife Lucía and my children gave me a mini wine cooler last Christmas. Sergio Sauca has dedicated his professional life to the world of sport. In 1987 he became a member of the TVE sports journalist team. He was a commentator during the Barcelona Olympic Games, an international tennis commentator and presented the Champions League programme, which he still remains in contact with.