Rosa Maria Torres, One on One in D.O. Conca de Barbera

369/365 – Catalonia – D.O. Conca de Barbera – Sarral – Rosa Maria Torres – Susel Rosé 2009

One on One……..,

Susel Rosé 2009, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Bright red onion peel color, leaning towards light cherry. A very elegant aroma of ripe red berries, strawberry and raspberry. Some candied fruit, dried flowers and touches of herbs, some currant. Light entry, tasty, great acidity in the mouth. It is round, intense and to be very honest, as my preferred wines are certainly not rosés, this one is amazing. Long aftertaste which is slightly spicy. Probably one of the best rosés tried this side of Christmas! The fermentation is done at a temperature between 14 and 16ºC, after soaking with the grape skins in order to preserve the bouquet. This wine spent a short period resting on its lees. This wine is excellent with pasta dishes, vegetables and salads. The perfect temperature for this wine is: 6-8ºC. Lovely, not only as a summer wine, this can stand most seasons and most wine loving moments.

The documentation about the origin of Villa of the Sarral, takes us to the XII century, and it is known that the name of the village at the time was Saluc. The wine was imported by monks of the locality of Poblet, from the convents that the Cister monks used to have in France. Sarral is located in the tour guide of the Ruta dels Cisters. From the wine cellar, you can visit three monasteries which are very close. The Villa Ducal Montblanc is also located in the vicinity, which has a rich historical past.

The region is full of vineyards, modernist cellars and a variety of picturesque villages, that are interesting to visit, as: Conesa, Fores, Barbera de la Conca, etc. Those villages are very rich in history related to the country and its people. Both in Montblanc and Poblet, you can visit the Tourism Office, where you will find all the information to have a pleasant day of tourism and enjoy the best gastronomy of La Conca de Barbera.

16 to go!

Catalan Wine 365 and SweetEasy Wine Tours

Viticultors Mas del Nen, Raspberry Jam in D.O. Conca de Barberà

330/365 – Catalonia – D.O. Conca de Barberà – Sarral – Celler Bellod – Mas del Nen Negre Vall Roja 2010

Raspberry Jam…….,

Mas del Nen Negre Vall Roja 2010, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha and Syrah

The varieties were grown at the property of  “Mas del Nen” in Conca de Barberá. The aging was 12 months on oak and 6 months in the bottle. Most vintners in the Conca de Barbera would use the Trepat grape as a standard but lately many cellars have started producing non traditional blends for this region. This wine is clearly an evidence of that it works just fine and that the terroir of the Conca has decided to treat these varieties with respect. Very intense cherry red color. The nose is very complex with aromas of black forrest berries, red berries, a touch of earth and underbrush. The first thing that came to mind was actually raspberry jam on a buttered toast. The palate has a good structure and it is a balanced wine with velvety tannins. Fresh and enjoyable. I have said it over and I’ll say it again, price quality is outstanding. Discover Conca de Barbera before it is to late!

Mas del Nen, litterary means The house of the children, but I don’t think they meant to call it that due to the fact that I become a child once I drink their wines! The origins of the company goes back to 1943, when Josep Bellod founded Cellers Bellod, a family business which from the inception were focused on selecting both the best vine and also the best wine producing areas in the country. As time went by the bottling processes and the technology were adapted to meet customer demands. United by a common bond, the wine, and thanks to the confidence of the clients and collaborators, half a century later, they can still offer products that are quite simply well suited for the wine lovers of today. 

With all the accumulated experiences in the wine trade, Celler Bellod begins an innovative project in the Conca de Barberà area, where the climatic conditions are very favourable for vine growing resulting in wines of a great quality. Tradition and technology come together in the lands of “Mas del Nen” where they elaborate what has come to be known as “Vins d’autor” (author wines).

La Conca de Barberà is a Catalan region covering 649 km2. Its natural conditions, together with its history and traditions, make it a privileged zone for vine growing and the elaboration of excellent wines and Cava. It is an agricultural region mainly dedicated to the vine cultivation, where its first stocks were brought from France by cister monks, coming to the Poblet Monastery. During more than a hundred years vines have been cultivated in the region. In the last twenty years, there has been a considerable transformation, new stocks have been planted, imported from France, as well as keeping the traditional varieties alive. A region well worth exploring, not only for the wines but also for many of the other local produce and the history of the Cister monks and their monasteries. 

Through the figure of San Bernardo de Claravall, the monastic order was extended through all Europe. The Catalan-Aragon monarchs trusted the monks for the foundation of great religious centers in good lands, which gave life to economy and demography in the new territories. In Catalonia, the most important ones were established in Poblet, Santes Creus y Vallbona de les Monges, responding to the need of colonizing the lands in Catalonia Nova. The Cister Route was created in 1989, showing the importance this order had for this territory, and its great architectonic influence. The monasteries reflect the spiritual strength that the communities had. The most important regions were Conca de Barberà, Alt Camp y Urgell. And of course the monks were huge wine lovers, so today we thank them for starting vine growing in this beautiful region!

58 to go!

Catalan Wine 365 and SweetEasy Wine Tours

 

 

Carles Andreu, Early In the Morning in D.O. Conca de Barbera

315/365 – Catalonia – D.O. Conca de Barbera – Pira – Celler Carles Andreu – Carles Andreu Parellada 2011

Early In the Morning……..,

Carles Andreu Parellada 2011, 100% Parellada

It presents a pale yellow colour with hints of lemon peel. Very complex nose with hints of macerated white fruits. Tropical notes are present, pineapple, banana and yellow mature apple. Cider. Good balance as far as  sweetness and acidity goes, structured and persistent with overall fruity connotations. The Parellada is a grape that thrives at higher altitudes and as such it seldom reaches higher levels of alcohol and has issues with revealing a lot of aromas. For what it’s worth, it is one of my personal favorite grapes from Catalonia, because it is so different!

The week started with a long walk with the dogs and then getting around to doing some actual work. Sending invitations, getting around to answering invitations, meetings and lunch, and so the days go. The blog and writing about yet another great wine producer of Catalonia,is just relaxation and what else do I really need? Well yes, a glass of wine but that would be stating the obvious!

This is a small bodega that started only in 1991 by Carles Andreu, it also bears his name. It’s located in the very nice village of Pira. The old Masia (manor house) Cal Celdoni has existed since 1796 but the wine making of recent times, commercially, is fairly young.

The Mas of Cal Celdoni was bought by Carles ancestor from the monks of the Monastery of Poblet. Cavas that are produced here surpass some of the Cavas made in neighboring D.O. Penedès. If that is true or not, is for each and everyone to determine on their own, what I know (and appreciate) is the boldness of Carles when he decided to make the first red wine in the world containing 100% Trepat!

First time I tried their Cava was in a restaurant. Can’t remember the restaurant but the Cava stayed in my memory and I decided that a visit was long overdue! If there is one winemaker that is a must to visit in Conca de Barbera, it is this one! Then again, I always say that! Go figure!

The main varieties grown are Trepat, Parellada, Macabeo and Chardonnay. They are currently doing some testing with Xarel.lo and Garnacha. As the production is kept to a minimum, the grape selection is rigorous as the grapes are received, but the first selection is made already in the vineyards.

The extraction (pressing) of the grapes intended for Cava is very gentle. Only 60% is extracted and it is done slow to control, as far as it’s possible, that only must from the centre of the pulp is flowing, to avoid areas close to the skin and the seed, which provide herbal flavors and favor oxidation.

Each variety is vinified separately by the lowest possible temperature to preserve what little flavor Parellada and Macabeu give. Then the blend is for the base wines that give rise to future Cavas.

Trepat is a red Spanish wine grape variety that is grown primarily in the Conca de Barberà and Costers del Segre. The grape is likely to be indigenous to northeast Spain and today there are approximately 1,500 hectares of the variety used mostly for light rosé wine and Cava. The D.O. Conca de Barberà is one of the main wine regions in that grows Trepat.

In Catalonia, Trepat is mainly found in the blended rosé wines of Conca de Barberà and Costers del Segre where it is often blended with other varieties. Over the years Trepat has been known under a variety of synonyms including: Bonicaire, Embolicaire, Parrel, Trapat, Traput and Trepan.

Trepat is quite particular when it come to soils and doesn’t not thrive everywhere, but it seems to be resistant to most fungal diseases.  It is a early riser and is thus susceptible to frost damage, which is more of a problem in this region at some of the higher altitudes but it is normally planted in vineyards on lower altitudes.

 Carles Andreu Trepat 2011, Trepat 100%, from fifty year old vines, from the vineyards of Les Alzinetes and Les Parades.

Bright red color with cherry hues and red edges. Low to medium layers and moderately slow tears. Primary aromas of ripe red fruit (currants and strawberries), toasted oak is noted but very subtle. Followed up by spicy notes, black pepper and nutmeg, balsamic, sweet licorice. Nice and tasty on the palate, good acidity, red fruits (currants and plums), intense notes that give character and personality, spicy, light menthol. Good structure and persistent. Long aftertaste of ripe fruit and spices. Kept developing and this could easily have stayed in the bottle another few years as it will improve.

76 to go!

Catalan Wine 365 and the SweetEasy Wine Tours

 

Rendé Masdeu, Help Yourself in D.O. Conca de Barbera

303/365 – Catalonia – D.O. Conca de Barbera – L´Espluga de Francolí – Rendé Masdeu – Trepat del Jordiet 2012

Help Yourself……..,

Trepat del Jordiet 2012, 100% Trepat

Cherry red color, bright and with a middle layer. The nose offers subtle notes of red berries and spices. It is not to expressive, kind of closed. The palate is soft, fresh, spicy and the wine is very easy to drink and to enjoy! As a native variety of Conca de Barbera, Trepat, vinified in red, will reveal a world of original experience. Finesse, freshness and subtlety, wrapped fruit and spicy notes. Jordiet is born from organic farming. The wine is a varietal wine and it was produced in amphorae. The Romans claimed that the slow oxygenation when doing wine in amphorae, expresses the particularities without outside interference.

In the middle of the Conca de Barberà region, astride the lands of the interior and the Tarragona coast is L’Espluga de Francolí. Surrounded by a leafy natural area, this town is closely linked to wine production, as is shown by one of the architectural jewels in its historic quarter, the Modernist Wine Cellar with its Wine museum. L’Espluga, located on the Cistercian Route, is also the anteroom to the Monastery of Poblet. This Cistercian monastery, one of the largest in Spain, was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1991.

The wine vocation of the Rendé family has its roots in an ancient tradition and is now a well established business. Documented evidence, from at least 1604, shows continued dedication to viticulture and winemaking. Originally from the town Catllar the ancestors moved to L’Espluga de Francolí in the mid-nineteenth century where the viticultural tradition continued.

The grandfather, Joseph M. Ventosa Rendé, was a leader of the regeneration Catalan agriculture. From his position as the Head of the Agricultural Social Action Community of Catalonia and professor of the College of Agriculture, he spearheaded the creation of cooperative wineries, with the collaboration of architects Cèsar Martinell i Domènech i Muntaner. Today, some of their creations still stand as valuable architectural monuments.

Today we are so far away from the old wine drinking traditions, when it was merely a beverage, considered as a simple food ingredient or a routine intake, without contemplation of what actually was consumed. Over many years there has been a steady incline in wine refinement as well as the consumer knowledge and appreciation for its values ​​of complexity, harmony and different styles. It is no longer enough to make a good wine.

True to the family motto: “Good wine comes from good vines”, direct care of their crops is paramount. Controlled and handcrafted limited production, allows for obtaining different and always a high quality wine. Rendé Masdeu sees wine culture as an artistic activity that has characterized their personality, resting on the pillars of tradition and constant research to improve and consolidate the pleasures of good taste. Because, at the end of the day (or at the beginning of the day), that’s what we all are looking for, a wine that tastes good!

The brothers Josep and Joan M. Rendé Masdéu and their family, modernized the family heritage and its vineyards. They are specialized in the production of wines of high demand, mostly red wines made ​​with grapes varieties like: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Their wines are incorporated into the forefront of the revival of the old wine making prestige of the Conca de Barbera.

81 to go!

Catalan Wine 365 and the SweetEasy Wine Tours

 

The Cava of Carles Andreu, Birth Of The Cool, D.O. Cava

257/365 – Catalonia – D.O. Cava – Pira – Celler Carles Andreu – Cava Reserva Barrica Brut Nature

Birth Of The Cool………,

Cava Reserva Barrica Brut Nature, Macabeu, Parellada and Chardonnay

Clear and golden straw colour, with a thin and consistent rosary of bubbles, it presents itself during the tasting as a very fruitful Cava and with a fine fusion between the wine and the barrel. In the mouth it is smooth with a good structure and some notes of wood in the background, fresh and persistent, with an explosion of little bubbles that gives a nice tickling feeling. This Cava is made using a meticulous selection of base wines from Macabeu, Parellada and Chardonnay, grapes from vines with a balanced yield. After separate vinification of the three varieties, the final “coupage” is prepared and the wine is then aged in French oak barrels for around six months before the second fermentation in the bottle. The second fermentation is carried out very slowly with these Cavas, at a constant temperature of 14ºC. The ageing period is prolonged to twenty-six months.

The regulatory body of D.O. Cava dates back to the year 1959 when the Trade Regulations of Sparkling and Fizzy Wines were established, in which the term Cava appears for the first time. A subsequent Order of the Ministry of Agriculture dated 23 April 1969 sets out the regulations for sparkling and fizzy wines, and Cava was acknowledged as the term for sparkling wines produced using the “classic system of fermentation in the bottle and ageing in the “cava”, and could therefore “designate its products as Cava”. This definition was the basis for designating the product with this name.

The Cava Region, or should I say the Appellation of Cava, comprises a total of 159 municipalities in the provinces of Barcelona (63), Tarragona (52), Lleida (12), Girona (5), La Rioja (18), Alava (3), Zaragoza (2), Navarra (2), Valencia (1) and Badajoz (1), which together conform the delimited Cava producing area and are therefore the only ones with the full legal capacity to produce this type of sparkling wine and market it under this name. The municipality of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia is the heart and origin of this region, its driving force. Its spirit lies not merely in an area, a territory, but in the tradition, the style of winemaking, a blind faith in the quality of the product and a keen enthusiasm in disseminating this special beverage.

This is a small bodega that started only in 1991 by Carles Andreu, it also bears his name. It’s located in the very nice village of Pira. The old Masia (manor house) Cal Celdoni has existed since 1796 but today wine making is fairly young.

The Mas of Cal Celdoni was bought by Carles ancestor from the monks of the Monastery of Poblet. Cavas that are produced here surpass some of the Cavas made in neighboring D.O. Penedès. If that is true or not, is for each and everyone to determine on their own, what I know (and appreciate) is the boldness of Carles when he decided to make the first red wine in the world containing 100% Trepat!

First time I tried their Cava was in a restaurant. Can’t remember the restaurant but the Cava stayed in my memory and I decided that a visit was long overdue! If there is one winemaker that is a must to visit in Conca de Barbera, it is this one! Then again, I always say that! Go figure!

The main varieties grown are Trepat, Parellada, Macabeo and Chardonnay. They are currently doing some testing with Xarel.lo and Garnacha. As the production is kept to a minimum, the grape selection is rigorous as the grapes are received, but the first selection is made already in the vineyards.

The extraction (pressing) of the grapes intended for Cava is very gentle. Only 60% is extracted and it is done slow to control, as far as it’s possible, that only must from the centre of the pulp is flowing, to avoid areas close to the skin and the seed, which provide herbal flavors and favor oxidation.

Each variety is vinified separately by the lowest possible temperature to preserve what little flavor Parellada and Macabeu give. Then the blend is for the base wines that give rise to future Cavas.

Trepat is a red Spanish wine grape variety that is grown primarily in the Conca de Barberà and Costers del Segre. The grape is likely to be indigenous to northeast Spain and today there are approximately 1,500 hectares of the variety used mostly for light rosé wine and Cava. The D.O. Conca de Barberà is one of the main wine regions in that grows Trepat.

In Catalonia, Trepat is mainly found in the blended rosé wines of Conca de Barberà and Costers del Segre where it is often blended with other varieties. Over the years Trepat has been known under a variety of synonyms including: Bonicaire, Embolicaire, Parrel, Trapat, Traput and Trepan.

Trepat is quite particular when it come to soils and doesn’t not thrive everywhere, but it seems to be resistant to most fungal diseases.  It is a early riser and is thus susceptible to frost damage, which is more of a problem in this region at some of the higher altitudes but it is normally planted in vineyards on lower altitudes.

 Carles Andreu Trepat 2011, Trepat 100%, from fifty year old vines, from the vineyards of Les Alzinetes and Les Parades.

Bright red color with cherry hues and red edges. Low to medium layers and moderately slow tears. Primary aromas of ripe red fruit (currants and strawberries), toasted oak is noted but very subtle. Followed up by spicy notes, black pepper and nutmeg, balsamic, sweet licorice. Nice and tasty on the palate, good acidity, red fruits (currants and plums), intense notes that give character and personality, spicy, light menthol. Good structure and persistent. Long aftertaste of ripe fruit and spices. Kept developing and this could easily have stayed in the bottle another few years as it will improve.

Catalan Wine 365 and the SweetEasy Lifestyle

127 to go!

Celler Cara Nord, Lush Life in D.O. Conca de Babera

214/365 – Catalonia – D.O. Conca de Barbera – El Vilosell – Celler Cara Nord – Cara Nord 2012

Lush Life……..,

Cara Nord 2012, 40% Macabeu, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Albariño

Lovely bright and clean as a whistle. Pale yellow colour with thin slow flowing tears. Took a while to get the nose going, as it was quite closed. Citrus and white fruit with pleasant herbal notes. Grapefruit, lemon zest, some pear, Mediterranean forest herbs. Secondary offer aniseed and mineral. Closes on a spicy note, which carries onto the palate. A nice entry, smooth creaminess and good acidity, intense citrus (grapefruit) and slightly savoury white fruit, some bitter notes and good freshness, fine structure, shows a soft minerality and medium persistence. Medium-long finish and after taste of citrus. Good focus and length. Should be enjoyed over the years to come.

Celler Cara Nord is located close to the Serra de Prades mountains and owes its name Cara Nord (north face in Catalan) due to its location in this part of the mountain. This is a steep and hilly landscape, surrounded by high peaks and forests of oak in the Natural Park of the Prades Mountains and Natural Park of the Poblet Forest. An area that has been nationally classified as an area of Geological Interest. Poor earth with slate, clay and limestone with rocky outcrops, cliffs and rugged mountains. The climate is Continental-Mediterranean with cool nights that allow the vines to rest. This delays the accumulation of sugars, preserves acidity and helps in the creation of aromas.

Cara Nord was created by 3 people, joined for more than 20 years by their friendship and their passion for wine: Tomas Cusine, Xavier Cepero and Eric Solomon. They had many years of experience in the wine industry, and in March 2012 they decided to start a winemaking project together. They all had been attracted to the majesty of the North Face of the Sierra de Prades and its magnificent climate, land and history of quality wine making.

From experience they knew the potential of the grapes that grow in the  Prades Mountains when it came to making good wines: the excellence seen in the DOQ Priorat, the reliability of D.O. Montsant, and the creativity of the D.O. Costers del Segre all originate from the same mountain range. Three Denominations of Origin located on a single mountain, all producing remarkable results. In reality, however, this interest lay particularly in the fourth D.O. of the Prades Mountains.

This area was the Denomination of Origin Conca de Barbera, which itself has a long tradition in wine making and still has great potential in the world of small wineries and micro-elaborations. In 2012 they felt the call of “Mountain Viticulture” and threw themselves wholeheartedly into the Cara Nord project, aiming to: Vinify grapes from vines planted at altitude on the North Face of the Prades Mountains. Starting with the vineyard and with their small winery located within the historic Monastery of Poblet, in March 2012 they embarked on this great wine-making adventure.

Viticulture up to 800m above sea level, as is the case at Cara Nord, takes place in a very particular and demanding geographical environment that poses constant challenges. But Tomas, Xavier and Eric are convinced that vineyards grown on rocky land, in unpolluted air, and surrounded by untouched biodiversity, will result in the creation of original wines with unique organolèptic qualities.

They have opted for a mountain viticulture with vineyards at about 800 meters above sea level. And in Prades, per 100 m altitude, the temperature falls with about 0.65 º C, and the ultraviolet radiation increases 4% for every 250 meters. Moreover, this area has an average of 330 sunny days a year. Furthermore, the vines suffer water stress allowing them to concentrate flavor, aroma and color in an extraordinary way and also fungal growth is rare.

Cara Nord is working with varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Garrut, Macabeo, Chardonnay and Albarino adapted to the landscape of the area. The Macabeo vines are very old, about 80 years. The rest were planted about 15 years ago. In addition, all the grapes that constitute Cara Nord are grown without irrigation to promote the intensity of the wine that comes from grapes harvested in its most optimal time. They  have no fixed rules in enology and each vintage should start over with new weather, new grapes and a new human factor. Exciting times ahead!

167 to go!

Catalan Wine 365 and the SweetEasy Lifestyle

Mas de la Sabatera, Tighten Up in D.O. Conca de Barbera

164/365 – Catalonia – D.O. Conca de Barbera – Prenafeta – Mas de la Sabatera – Mas de la Sabatera 2008

Tighten Up…..,

….., this is the music to tighten up with…., but what wine would you tighten up with or would you prefer to unwind, maybe with a bottle of red? From Conca de Barbera? If that is the case, let me suggest a Friday special, make sure to listen to the music track, sit back, pour a glass and relax! No need to tighten up, life is to short, just have a great Friday evening! With loads of lovin’ from CatalanWine 365.

Mas de la Sabatera 2008, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tempranillo

Red wine made from the farm of Mas de la Sabatera. The 190 acres are situated in an idyllic and secluded location in the foothills of the Sierra de Prades, for this particular wine they have selected the best vineyards of Cabernet and Merlot. The vine are all older than fifteen years and at their peak in this dry environment. Located at 470 meters above sea level and enjoy a beneficial mountain climate, sheltered by the Sierra de Prades, with fresh and dry summers, which enhances the natural ripening. The grapes are picked at night, providing natural freshness and aromatic integrity. The grapes have been fermented in stainless steel tanks, keeping the fermentation temperature below 25 ° to facilitate the intensity of the fruit and to optimize the extraction of color and tannins.

The wine has a deep and vivid red color with violet edges. On the nose it is clean with high intensity, predominantly black fruit, blueberries, blackberries, some pastries and spices, like pepper. Good integration of fruit and oak. The palate is pleasing, delicate entry, medium body, soft with round tannins and a long persistence. Elegant and mature wine. A good one for a Friday evening!

“Mas de la Sabatera” is an estate of 190 hectares of vineyards and forests where 8 varieties of grapes are grown with an annual outtake of 1,000,000 Kg. The first building was erected in 1749 and this is where the winery today manages and directs the operations. The house has its own facilities, warehouses, offices for staff use, tasting area, agricultural museum and a shop for their own brand, Heretat Pallares. The property highlight is the Mirador (viewpoint) tower from where you can admire the beautiful scenery of Conca de Barbera.

The Conca de Barbera is considered a prime area for its climate and type of land, with the right mix for growing many different varieties of grapes, red and white. All vines are trellised and most are older strains of between 25 and 35 years. In a clear attempt to continuous quality improvement, over the last 10 years they have planted an additional 30 hectares of red and white grapes. In order to identify fully with the region, great care has been taken to preserve the local variety of D.O. Conca de Barbera, the Trepat.

215 to go!

Catalan Wine 365 and the SweetEasy Lifestyle

Time for Wine (Part Two), I’ll Take You There in Vilanova i La Geltru

163/365 – Catalonia – D.O. All of them! – Vilanova i La Geltru – Temps de Vi 2014 (Wine Fair) – Sot Lefriec 2004

I’ll take you there….,

…., not only to the Priorat, Penedes, Terra Alta and the other appellations and the more or less well know wine cellars. If you let me, I’ll also take you to Temps de Vi wine fair in Vilanova i La Geltru and tomorrow it starts! Unfortunately I won’t be there the first day but not to worry, there are two more days (Saturday and Sunday) and I’ll be reporting daily from this amazing wine fair. That would be my way of taking you there, and if you feel like joining the party next year, please let me know and I’ll point you in the right direction! One of the stands that is going to be well visited is the one of Alemany i Corrio! And today’s wine is one of their top range wines! Come to think of it….., if Tuscany can have their Super Tuscans, I hope too start a new trend of “Super Catalans”!

Sot Lefriec, 50% Merlot, 30% Carignan and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon (D.O. Penedes)

The fermentation of this particular wine takes place in small tanks on wild yeasts. There are no pumps in the winery as the wines are moved using inert gas to avoid any uncontrolled oxidation. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan were harvested approximately 10 days later than usual or what would be considered normal for the varieties and region. Prefermentation maceration and alc. fermentation around 30-35 days for Merlot and Cab. Sauv. and around 25 days for Carignan , which is also longer than usual. During these periods, there are daily remontages and pigeages. Sot Lefriec 2004 has spent 23 months ageing in French oak barrels, 70% new oak. This is a super small garage producer, that works out of Vilafranca del Penedes, so if you see a bottle of Sot Lefriec on a shelve be sure to grab it fast!

Dark cherry layered with a bright purple rim and intense tears. Ripe black fruit on the nose with floral aromas and a successful soft toasted oak and vanilla aromas presenting cocoa, toffee and spices, smoked pepper, thyme and clove. Powerful and tasty tannins and balanced acidity with successful long life, clean and pleasant with great fruit that carries all the way to the end and a long lingering after-taste. This is to be considered a “Super Catalan”!!!

And as the real party is about to start, let’s share the program for the coming days! As I mentioned, the first day is a no go for me as I have to spend it with some wine lovers from California! Giving them the grand tour tomorrow! I just love it when I get the opportunity to show people what Catalonia can offer. I’m sure they won’t be disappointed. The Temps de Vi actually had some activities that started last week, like the Riedel experience which was taking place at the Victor Balaguer library in Vilanova i La Geltru, a quite cool location for a exquisite wine tasting!

Temps de Vi (Time for Wine) Friday, May 30th events;

The winery Can Ràfols dels Caus, Infinite Restaurant and the jazz band Nicolau Experience are together taking people on a wine and food joourney with jazz music to complement, or as the call it here “Trimaridatge”! A five course meal with selected wines from Can Ràfols dels Caus. Starts at 21.00, but should be booked in advance as I am certain it will be one of many popular events this weekend! 

At the very same time, other will book and enjoy a pairing at the Hotel Ceferino, which is hosting a joint event with Gramona, one of the major Cava producer of D.O. Penedes! Againm five courses with five amazing Gramona products!

Today’s chosen winery, is doing a vertical tasting at Resturant Marejol, Starts at 20.00 hours and if I could go tomorrow, this would probably be my choice! So many wines, so little time! Damn! The main event area is going to be set up with all the winery stands, offering their latest and best of their products. In close vicinity there are performance stages and on stage 2 at 20.00 hours you’ll be able to enjoy a homage to the Gerry Muligan Quatrtet! What a party! If you feel like starting of early, you should be in front of stage one at around 18.00 hours! That’s when Scarbeats start with their “Beatles Live Performance”! This is merely a selection of the many activities taking place during Friday. For the additional information and the schedules for Saturday and Sunday, pleas have a look at the official web site of Temps de Vi! Happy wine and music days!

Some wine tasting are taking place on sail boats!

Welcome to Vilanova i La Geltru, so that you can experience first hand, the best that Catalonia has to offer!

216 to go!

Catalan Wine 365 and the SweetEasy Lifestyle

Time for Wine (Part One), Let’s do it Again in Vilanova i La Geltru

149/365 – Catalonia – D.O. All of them! – Vilanova i La Geltru – Restaurant Marejol – Temps de Vi 2014 (Wine Fair) – Porcellànic Dolç Natural

Let’s do it Again…..,

… if something is done right, why not do it again? I am amazed that the initiative take by two young guys three years ago, has grown and grown to the extent that it almost has outgrown the town of Vilanova i La Geltru! Wine fairs in Catalonia are fourteen on the dozen and most of them are excellent opportunities to get acquainted with the appellations, wineries and wines of Catalonia. Most of the fairs are small and there’s nothing wrong with that, in my opinion every small village should have one. But to see this one grow the way it has done is just out of this world. Let’s do it again……, let’s get together and feel al-right!

Yesterday’s event at the Marejol Restaurant in Vilanova I La Geltru, is just the beginning of a wine fair to be remembered! Temps de Vi is the name of the wine fair in this coastal town, a place that sometimes is overlooked because of the nearby Sitges. Those that dare wander away from the cities and the known places, will soon be aware of a gem in its own right.

But, this is after all a blog about wine, so let’s stick to the theme at hand. Temps de Vi, “Time for Wine”. And then I ask myself, when is it not? I’d say, and you that know me will agree, always! The name they have chosen is nevertheless to my liking! Very catchy and I don’t think there is a similar wine fair anywhere in Catalonia. The fair is taking place during the 30^th and 31^st of May and the 1^st of June 2014. As opposed to many local fair in Catalonia, this one offers access and invites wine makers and cellars from all the appellations of Catalonia. Big difference! Benefit for us wine lovers? During three whole days we get to taste amazing wines without having to drive.

This is the third edition and it will be set in the centre of town, not far from the local market. It will be starting from the Plaça de les Neus and carrying on to the old main road. The former location, the Main Boulevard, has been outgrown by the fair, which is quite pleasing for the two-man team Oscar Villagarcia and Carlos Carbonell, the guys putting this whole thing to work! Forty-two wine cellars have already confirmed participation and they will be occupying some 12,000 square meters.

The fair does start, officially, on the 30^th of May but many tastings and events are to take place, starting from the 22:nd of May. The museum of Victor Balaguer hosts the Riedel Experience and after that the days are going to be filled with wine, wine and more wine! Loads of tastings and related activities, if you are a wine lover this is certainly a fair not to be missed.

The inaugural tasting, yesterday evening, was led by winemaker Oriol Guevara, from Vilanova and the wine makers present, sharing their wines. The wines presented were all conceived in an organic, ecological or bio-dynamic way. Some of them described as natural wines. Yes, yes, I know, if we call them natural wines, what do we call the rest of all wines made? Let’s agree then to call them “wine with nothing added” or “wine with nothing added or removed”?

The fact is, during the last four years, the vineyard area devoted to organic farming has tripled. Some say, and I’m not referring to The Stig, that future wines will all be organic. Bold statement I agree, but certainly not that distant. Oriol Guevara, pointed out that the event yesterday was “A great presentation of Temps de Vi”. And it was!

There were some seventy souls present, awarded with the unique experience of tasting some of the best wines in the categories above. If this was the inauguration, I can only imagine what the actual Temps de Vi wine fair will be like! The show started with a short, but to the point introduction of the fair, by both the organizers, Oscar Villagarcia and Carlos Carbonell. After which there was a longer elaboration on organic and natural wine making by Oriol Guevara and Ramon Francàs Martorell, a well know Catalan wine writer, blogger and sommelier.

We all got to enjoy some very limited edition wines from the nearby area of ​​Penedès, actually called zero km. wines. Juan Rubio introduced the 2013 Can Creedo, a Xarel.lo wine. The winemaker Marta Casas presented the unique and new Xarel.lo, Amphora 2013 by Parés Baltà. Renowned wine maker Laurent Corrio, a Frenchman living and making wine in a garage in Vilafranca del Penedes, showed up with his limited edition (250 bottles), Despullat, a 100% Carignena.

The winemaker Manel Aviñó also from Vilanova presented his Xarel.lo Clos Lentiscus 2013. And so the evening carried on, one wine maker after the other, sharing and explaining, all in Catalan and that’s not my strongest language but I endured, all for you and the wines!

El vesper de la Gloriosa, a sweet sparkling white, 50% Xarel.lo and 50 % Macabeu, made the ancestral way, was about to conclude the tasting and then after nine wines tasted, Ton Rimbau presented his very scarce Porcellànic Dolç Natural, made from 95% Macabeu and 5% Xarel.lo. This is the first part of many to follow, covering the wine fair Temps de Vi! Now, let’s do what we normally do and finish it of with a proper tasting note! Hope to see you in a few days time and then we could share a glass or two!

Porcellànic Dolç Natural

A deep amber colour, rich and fatty tears. First thing that hit my nose was the sense that this might be a sherry, which I knew it wasn’t, but nevertheless, some notes were obvious. Aromas of fruit compote of pear and yellow apple notes danced around for quite some time. Intense and elegant taste and a long finish where notes of bitter orange left me wanting more. Worth the money, I wouldn’t know, as I don’t know the price, but knowing the rest of the wines from this wine maker, I’d say…….., let’s do it again!

230 to go!

Catalan Wine 365 and the SweetEasy Lifestyle

 

Clos Montblanc, Drift Away in D.O. Conca de Barbera

132/365 – Catalonia – D.O. Conca de Barbera – Come Va? & VinoDIvino – Clos Montblanc – Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Drift Away…..,

…., beginning to think that I’m wasting time, I don’t understand the things I do, the world outside looks so unkind, I’m counting on you! I’m counting on the company of good friends and it has been a great week! Not counting the weekdays starting from Monday, just taking into account the last seven days, irrespective of weekdays! Sometimes it takes planning and consideration with regards to the people around me, but mostly it works out just fine.

The Calafell beach goes on and on!

Come Va? How is it going? Well, let me tell you! It’s going just fine, how can it not? The small coastal town of Calafell is quite dead during the off season, but comes alive once the summer starts. Cosy? Not really, but you’ll find the odd eatery and the beach is splendid! There’s also a wine shop, VinoDIvino (Divine wine!) which I like to visit on occasions! The owner Edu is a gentile man, offering a glass to taste, always taking the time to discuss wines and sharing his local knowledge. A true source of inspiration.

I am not the only expatriate here, and among the different European and non-European nationalities ther’s also the wondering Italian here and there. Anywhere in the world I have made Italian friends they tend to be in the restaurant trade. I lived in Dar es Salaam for a while and even there, my Italian connections consisted of foodies! In Calafell, somehow, I managed to find the same type in Massimiliano! A huge Italian guy with passion for the fine art of food! He’s the owner of Come Va? restaurant in Calafell and if you are ever in the hood, you should try it, if Italian is what you yearn for. A living-room setting and you know you’ll be well looked after, eating and drinking great stuff!

Va Bene! How can it not! If you turn the view 1809 degrees, the Mediterranean lies before you!

A couple of times a month, Edu and Massimiliano put their heads together and offer a wine/food pairing for basically no money. They do it, so that foodies and wine lover can come together and taste some of the good stuff the region has to offer. Sometimes they offer wines from Italy or other countries and also Grappa or other hard liquors but I’d say that it mostly revolves around what they find in the Catalan appellations. Point being, let’s get together and have a great time!

Edu and Massimiliano starting of tonight’s event! Homely felling, like being at a friends place.

A couple of days ago, an invitation arrived….., and just to do something different…., I went! Conca de Barbera was up for grabs and the winery this time was Clos Montblanc, not all to unfamiliar. Although a large, almost bulk producing winery, but they still keep some kind of quality to their production and among the five wines tried my mind appreciated the Sauvignon Blanc the most. It was paired with a mushroom spinach lasagna, served with a mushroom paste. Great pairing and maybe that’s why I liked it so much?

A smoked ham parcel filled with burrata mozzarella! Delicious!

I’ll just share this one with my kid brother and then it’s time for bed!

During the course of the evening, several dishes were served, all well thought through, having a themed name and paired with the different wines by Edu. After two whites, two reads and a pinkish Cava, it was time for the youngest amongst us to depart, while the old folks kept on discussing the event!

Clos Montblanc, Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Bright straw color. Expressing the grape, which to me was a bit of surprise, normally they don’t use a lot of Sauvignon Blanc in the Conca de Barbera, but this one was true to the varietal. Subtle floral aromas. White pear, fresh fruit. Grapefruit, but very light touches, as well as some tropical fruit and slight grassy notes.  Flavorful, fresh and fruity in the mouth with quite some length. Not the best white from Conca but certainly went well with the pasta from Come Va?

247 to go!

Catalan Wine 365 and the SweetEasy Lifestyle