2015 Finca Parera ‘Roig’

Region: Penedès < Catalunya < Spain
Grapes: Sumoll, Tempranillo and Grenache
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Demeter certified organic and biodynamic; limestone/clay soil; fermented in concrete; bottled unfiltered with just 1.5 g/L SO2;12.5 % ABV
Winemaker: Jordi and Rubén Parera

We first met Rubén Parera at a natural wine fair here in the Bay Area, and were immediately smitten. In a sea of faces, his stood out – brimming with enthusiasm and a big grin that stretched from ear to ear, despite jetlag and most likely a hangover. As he poured his delicious wines, some of the best we found that day, we learned the story of Rubén and his father, Jordi, who worked together to convert their entire family farm, which also houses almond and olive trees, a cherry orchard, and a vegetable garden, to organic and then biodynamic viticulture, finally becoming certified in 2013. It was only then that they bottled the wine under their own label. Their dedication to their terruno (terroir) includes maintaining native varieties like the Sumoll here, and then using only cement, clay and stainless steel in their cellar – no oaks. Minimal, if any, sulfur is used. The joy Rubén exhibits when talking about his wine is also evident in the bottle. Pale red, almost like a dark rose, it’s all subtle cherry, tart red currant and an exotic floral note anchored by chalky tannin and beautiful acidity. Again, chill it ever so slightly, and drink with abandon, and with practically anything, at your next grill situation.