Celler Frisach, L'Abrunet Blanc - Spain, 2022
Fast Facts:
Winemaker(s): Francesc and Joan Ferré
Region: Terra Alta -> Corbera d'Ebre -> Catalonia -> Spain
Varietal(s): 100% Garnacha Blanca (Vernatxa Blanca)
Terroir: Calcareous clay and panal (ancient fossil dune sand), 390m elevation
Serving Temp: 45-50°F
Francesc Ferré was 21 and fresh out of oenology school when a grape buyer backed out at the last minute in 2009. His family had been farming organically in Corbera d'Ebre for over two centuries, always selling their fruit. While that cancelled order felt like the end of the world in that moment, it actually sprung to life their own winery and label. Francesc and his brother Joan decided to make their own wine, taking the name Frisach after their great-grandfather.
What makes L'Abrunet extra special is the brothers' dual-harvest approach. They pick the same Garnacha Blanca vines twice: first when the grapes are younger and on the brink of ripeness for rippin' acidity and citrus brightness, then a few weeks later when they're fully ripe for more texture and depth. Both picks ferment together spontaneously in stainless steel with 14 hours of skin contact, then rest on their lees for three and a half months. This cool method captures the beauty of the grape in its multiple characteristics.
Why'd we pick it?
The method of capturing both the zippy freshness and the textural richness Garnacha Blanca is unique and quite fun! This thoughtful winemaking coupled with the special nature of a family that's farmed the same land for 200 years finally bottling their own wine.
Field Notes
- Tastes like: Lemon zest, white peach and green apple, with a bit of anise and wet chalk. Bone-dry yet satiny, and a salty edge!
- Serve it pretty dang cold - this is a wine that I personally prefer staying chilly.
- Food Pairings: The slight bitterness on the finish really makes it incredibly food friendly. Paella would be the top tops, especially with plenty of prawns and clams. L'Abrunet plays quite nice with roasted or sautéed vegetables, so hit your one-pot stir fry on a dark midweek evening.
