TN: 2012 Mas Foraster Conca de Barberà Josep Foraster (Trepat grape)

WINE TALK
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  • 2012 Mas Foraster Conca de Barberà Josep Foraster - Spain, Catalunya, Tarragona, Conca de Barberà (3/20/2015)
    Popped and poured, bright ruby/purple. Fresh, lively aromas of raspberry, ruby grapefruit, ground white pepper, minerals and a hint of green. A very pretty floral note emerges with aeration. Medium body. Palate mirrors the nose but shows even more crushed berries and spice with exhilarating freshness. While the tannins show a mild chalkiness, this is extremely well-balanced with a surprisingly persistent close of mineral-tinged red fruits.
    Great right now, should be even better in 1-2 years.

Quick comment: While comparisons of this and Pinot Noir are certainly warranted I’m finding the raspberry fruits and spices to be more evocative of a Grenache (albeit one made in a style which has become all too rare).

Got this from Cindy for $17.77 per, 13% abv. Very fun and surprisingly serious, my first Trepat. AFWE recommended.

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Just picked up a younger 2016 of this from Vinoteca in Barcelona (excellent shop). Looking forward to the exploration. Apparently the grape was widespread prior to Phylloxera. Tiny production now but reportedly increasing.

RT

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I’ve gone through a bunch of it, and really enjoy it. I like it with a bit of a chill - cellar temp, or slightly above. Great with sushi also.

If you’re able to track down some of the other Josep Foraster wines, I encourage you to do so. The Blanc Seleccio is really interesting, as it’s a 50/40/10 blend of Garnatxa Blanca, Macabeu, and Chardonnay. It does show a tiny bit of an oxidative note, similar to an Amontillado, but I love Sherry, so that’s not an issue for me. Rather, I think it makes the wine quite interesting.