Trepat is a relatively obscure grape grown primarily in Northeastern Spain and used in blends and for making rosado and Cava sparkling wine. But in D.O Conca de Barberà, a tiny appellation in northern Tarragona, some producers are making it as a stand alone grape and it shows considerable potential, especially as a lighter, red wine that would pair nicely with meatier species of fish.
This is a natural wine from winemakers Mariona Vendrell and Albert Canela who started Succés Vinícola in 2011 when they were only 20 yrs. old. Stand-alone Trepat has always been in their lineup.
Red raspberry with darker hints and a pleasing pungent aroma, not quite barnyard but in that direction, held in check by prominent floral notes, against a background of baking spice.
Acid heads will like this wine. Slender, fresh and tart, the acidity is pronounced but is neither aggressive nor hard and the overall impression is of a vibrantly active wine that darts and flutters like an acrobatic butterfly. The introduction is fleeting and quickly develops an ascending line hitting very high citric and floral notes anchored by a tender mouthfeel at midpalate. The finish is mouthwatering with a squirt of lemon, the tannins yielding a soft, fine-grained sandy character but narrowly focused and shy.
Pretty, coltish and, carefree like a young girl at play, the virtues of this wine are well highlighted by Katy Perry’s California Gurls.
Technical Notes: Organic. 20-47 year-old bush-trained vines. Native yeasts with 30-day maceration aged 5 months on the lees in stainless steel and bottled with minimal SO2.
Score: 89
Price: $20 (Purchasing information here)
Alc: 12%
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