Familia Torres Clos Ancestral Organic 2019
For more than 2,000 years, viticulture has existed around Castel de la Bleda, in the heart of Penedès. Remains from the Iberian, Roman and medieval periods, as well as from just before the phylloxera epidemic, have been found at this site. Since the early 1980s, Torres has been working to restore heirloom varieties to play a role in restoring Catalonia’s viticultural heritage and to seek solutions to address climate change. Over time, they have seen that as well as showing great potential for wine production, some of these varieties are extremely resistant to high temperatures and drought. This is the case of Moneu, an heirloom variety native to Penedès, which they are reactivating by planting it in the Castell de la Bleda vineyards, and which is now part of the Clos Ancestral blend.
Castell de la Bleda, located near the iconic Mas La Plana estate, in the Turons de Vilafranca sub-zone, is a vineyard categorised as a cultural property of national interest, which stands on the remains of a medieval castle and has a history of viticulture dating back to the Iberian moon cycle. This 16 hectare vineyard is planted on deep soils with a clay structure and is mainly dedicated to the cultivation and study of Moneu.
Clos Ancestral 2019 is an organic wine, a blend of indigenous varietals that combines Moneu with the likes of Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo) and Garnacha from thirty to forty year old vines. Approximately 50% of the wine was fermented in second-fill barrels for 10 months, the rest in stainless steel vessels.
The Moneu variety was partially aged in inox vessels and amphorae. The wine’s finesse and versatility allow for a variety of pairings with medium-aged cheeses and charcuterie, red meats such as pork tenderloin or veal steak, and fish in a creamy or buttery sauce.
Dishes with rice, such as vegetarian and meat paella de montagna or risotto ai funghi, are also suitable.
