A restaurant from Málaga will represent Spain in the International Final of the Jerez Cup, led by Diego René and Jesús Rioboo.

From Alicante, Diego René and from Málaga, Jesús Rioboo will represent Málaga and Spain at the upcoming International Final of the Copa Jerez after winning the twelfth National Final. Representing Restaurante René, the latest and delicate venture for a Michelin Star by chef Diego René, both will compete against seven other countries for one of the most prestigious trophies and competitions in the world in the field of pairing.

Diego René and Jesús Rioboo, chef and sommelier of Restaurante René (Carretería Street, 36), respectively, won the National Final of the XII Copa Jerez held in Jerez de la Frontera, specifically at the EIGO-Center, International Space for Gastronomy and Leisure.

The duo prevailed in the final against two other high-level pairs, those formed by Jean Pierre Lapenna and Patricio Planells, from the restaurant Aleia –with two Michelin Stars–; and Víctor Duque and Nuria España, from the restaurant Monastrell –with one Michelin Star–.

The triumph of Diego René and Jesús Rioboo in this important competition only reinforces their new project at René, a sophisticated restaurant where French cuisine and the chef's experience and trajectory converge in such harmony that few disagree it is Málaga's great bet to win another Michelin Star next year.

René and Rioboo's proposal: Meridiano yodado

The proposal from René, titled Meridiano yodado: Alicante, Málaga, Jerez, has created a journey through three territories united by the influence of the sea, the salinity, and the depth of the wines from the Marco de Jerez.

The menu began with Matrimonio malagueño, paired with Fino Viña Corrales Pago Balbaína from Bodega San Francisco Javier. For the main dish, Diego René presented a Monkfish Wellington, paired with Palo Cortado Solera Familiar from Gutiérrez Colosía. The meal concluded with a ñora pepper flan with salted caramel ice cream, accompanied by Moscatel Pasas from Bodegas César Florido.

With this proposal, Diego René and Jesús Rioboo presented a Mediterranean, maritime, and precise interpretation, where the product, technique, and service progressed in the same direction. A cuisine conceived from the territory, but defended with a contemporary outlook and with wine as an active part of each course.

The International Final of Copa Jerez will gather the winning teams from eight countries at the Copa Jerez Forum & Competition, an event that brings together chefs, sommeliers, oenologists, and world-renowned experts around the gastronomic potential of Jerez Wines.