▴ Familia Torres Varietat Recuperada No 23 2016

Superb ancient variety
Written By Sarah Kemp

Familia Torres Varietat Recuperada No 23 2016, Penedès

If the Old Vines movement needed a wine to demonstrate why old vineyards and ancient varieties are worth saving, they should look no further than Torres’ Varietat Recuperada No 23, 100% Forcada. Forcada is an ancestral white variety found in the northwestern part of the DO Penedès, in the foothills of the Roca Forcada Mountain near Vall de Bianya. The Torres family have done more in researching and promoting old vines than anyone else I know, and the result has rewarded them (and certainly us) tenfold. The aroma is like summery hay meadows, the palate holds wonderful tension and great depth of flavour, hinting of Mediterranean mountain herbs; it’s fully rounded but with beautiful acidity that balances the weight of fruit. A wine for the head and the heart. 13% alc.

Price: £38 a bottle
UK stockist: Vinvm

Review May 2021, SK

Sarah Kemp
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