Xavier Ausàs, Vega Sicilia
Javier Ausas Vega Sicilia
(Image credit: Javier Ausas Vega Sicilia)

Vega Sicilia's technical director of the past 17 years, Xavier Ausàs, is to depart the renowned Spanish wine producer, owner Pablo Alvarez has confirmed to Decanter.com.

Xavier Ausàs’ departure from Vega Sicilia was decided on 3 August, following 23 years at the Ribera del Duero based wine producer and 17 of those spent as technical director for its wineries across Spain. Ausàs’ joined Vega Sicilia’s sister winery, Alion, in 1992.

His replacement is due to start work at the beginning of September and Vega Sicilia intends to announce the successor’s name next week.

‘On 3 August, following a two hour conversation, we came to the conclusion that it was better to separate our professional relationship,’ Pablo Alvarez told Decanter.com.

‘In previous months we had held conversations on this matter and therefore decided by mutual agreement for each of us to follow our paths in a friendly way.’

Alvarez praised Ausàs for improving Vega Sicilia’s wines without compromising their personality. ‘He has done a great job at Vega Sicilia and we wish him the very best for his future.’

It was not immediately clear what Ausàs is going on to do.

Vega Sicilia is one of Spain’s best known wineries and was acquired by Alvarez in 1982.

Last year, the winery held a party to celebrate its 150th anniversary, recruiting top Spanish chefs Joan Roca and Juan Arzak to create a menu around a selection of wines including two vintages of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Montrachet, a Vega Sicilia Unico and two wines from Oremus estate in Tokaj.

Chris Mercer
Chris Mercer

Chris Mercer is a Bristol-based freelance editor and journalist who spent nearly four years as digital editor of Decanter.com, having previously been Decanter’s news editor across online and print.

He has written about, and reported on, the wine and food sectors for more than 10 years for both consumer and trade media.

Chris first became interested in the wine world while living in Languedoc-Roussillon after completing a journalism Masters in the UK. These days, his love of wine commonly tests his budgeting skills.

Beyond wine, Chris also has an MSc in food policy and has a particular interest in sustainability issues. He has also been a food judge at the UK’s Great Taste Awards.