Familia Torres

Penedès, Spain

Forcada, DO Penedès — 2019

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  • Introduction

    • Forcada, an ancestral varietal, was rediscovered by Famila Torres in the Ripollès area, in the foothills of the Roca Forcada Mountain, near Vall de Bianya.  The variety does very well in the Penedes region’s clay soils. Grown at 510 meters, away from the sea’s influence, and it is surprising for its aromatic intensity and freshness.  Forcada is a unique white grape, ripening at the end of the season and one of the last varieties of the Familia Torres harvest each year.

  • The Estate

    • DO Penedès
  • Vineyard Profile

    • Appellation: DO Penedès
    • Vine Age: Planted in 2014
    • Soil: Deep, reddish calcareous clay soils that are moderately well drained and have a high water holding capacity, allowing white varieties to develop their full aromatic expression.
    • Elevation: 510m (1,673 feet)
    • Orientation: North
  • Vintage Report

    • Widely considered an excellent vintage, although with lower yields than previous years. Rainfall during flowering challenged early fruit set followed by a fairly dry summer. Even and moderate temperatures during a long harvest period allowed for optimal ripeness with little threats of challenging weather. A gradual harvest, as best per plot of vineyard, was possible and allowed for ideal grape development.

    • Harvest Date(s): End of September
  • Vinification

    • Fermentation: 100% whole cluster pressing with fermentation in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperatures
    • Aging: 10% of wine is aged in second use 300 liter French oak casks for 4 months
  • Technical Information

    • Varietal Composition: 100% Forcada
    • Alcohol: 13%
    • TA: 8.07 g/L
    • p H: 2.91
    • Optimum Drinking: 6-8 years

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Reviews

  • Forcada, DO Penedès — 2019 – Wine Enthusiast – 94 Points

    "This is a single-varietal Forcada: a grape facing extinction that was discovered and repropagated by the Torres family. The wine has aromas of honeydew melon, fresh lemon thyme and a hint of rosemary. It is full in the mouth, with moderate acidity and a nice mélange of fruit and herbal flavors such as Seckel pear, mango, crumbled sage leaf, dried thyme and lavender flower. A soft floral note travels into the post-palate."

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