Cardenal Mendoza Ambassadors 2024

17 October 2024

Two Galicians honoured as Cardenal Mendoza Ambassadors

Cardenal Mendoza Ambassadors 2024

Born in La Coruña in the early 1970s, Julio M. Blanco and Frankie Gómez have forged a solid professional career in Galicia. Julio, an ESIC graduate, began his career in marketing and sales, working in sectors such as retail, automotive and banking. Frankie spent more than fifteen years in advertising as a copywriter, where he developed campaigns for well-known companies.

In the 2010s, the two decided to take a radical turn in their lives: Julio delved into the gourmet world, travelling and training to set up his own wine and spirits shop in La Coruña, while Frankie launched a technology start-up. It was precisely in Julio's establishments that they met for the first time, initiating a friendship that, in time, would grow stronger.

In 2016, Julio attended a party organised by the Sánchez Romate winery at Vinoble as a guest. Between flamenco and fortified wines, Javier Salas (from Romate) made a peculiar recommendation: "You are going to try something that will change your life: Cardenal Mendoza with Coca-Cola." Impressed by the combination, Julio did not hesitate to share the experience with Frankie when he returned to La Coruña. Thus, this original mixture became his personal hallmark.

Almacén Concept Store, Julio's latest project, became the first wine shop in Galicia specialising in fortified wines, all from the Sánchez Romate winery. Its star cocktail is the "España", as the confection is known in some Latin American countries.

Cardenal Mendoza Ambassadors 2024

Their passion for wine, particularly sherries, led them to train as sommeliers. Currently, they are actively involved in the Galician Association of Sommeliers, where Julio is a member of the board and territorial representative of the Paco y Lola winery. Frankie continues with his technological project and is about to launch micata.wine, a wine tasting app that promises to revolutionise the sector.

Thanks to their dedication and love for wine, Julio and Frankie have become the first to receive the Cardenal Mendoza Ambassador award from the Sánchez Romate winery, a recognition that rewards their role as promoters of wine culture, taking the Cardenal Mendoza tradition to new generations and corners of the world wherever they go.

Who would have imagined that these two friends, who choose their venues according to whether they offer Palo Cortado sherry and restaurants because they have Cardenal Mendoza for long after-dinner conversations, would end up receiving this award?

Cardenal Mendoza Ambassadors 2024