We are delighted to announce that on Thursday 14th April w welcome Chris Mooney of John E Fells once more to Leek to host a tasting of just one family's wines but from vineyards in Spain, Chile and California.
At 7.30pm at the Peak Weavers in King Street we will taste through 8 wines and also Torres 10 Brandy made by one of the most famous winemaking families in the world.
The Torres family started making wine in the Catalan town of Vilafranca del Penedes in the 19th century and remains independent and family-owned to this day, now run by fourth and fifth generation family members.
Admittedly one of the largest wineries in Spain (responsible for household names such as Vina Sol and Sangre de Toro) it is also one of the most consistently quality-orientated and David and I have both sold wines such as their flagship Mas La Plana for many years. Described as 'one of Spains' most innovative and influential winemakers', Miguel A Torres pioneered a number of technological advances (such as the use of stainless steel tanks and temperature controlled fermentation) as well as the planting of non-Spanish grape varieties in Penedes and the re-discovery of ancient Catalan varietals.
Recent exciting developments in vineyard acquisitions include Rioja, Jumilla and Toro and it was back in 1979 that Miguel was one of the first foreign investors to buy land in Chile. Originally only 100 hectares, their landholding has gradually increased to currently around 445 hectares in the Central Valley and 330 in Curico. The latter were bought by Miguel A Torres Riera, whose sister, Marimar, after travelling the wine world with her father decided to buy 25 hectares of land in Sonoma County, California in 1983. With a further 180 acres iin the Sonoma Coast acquired some years later, Marimar Estate is situated in one of the coolest (and therefore best) growing regions, due at least in part to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, and is responsible for some of the most exciting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir I've ever tasted outside of Burgundy.
So it was a real challenge to select just 8 wines from such a diverse and impressive portfolio, but with examples of Ribeira del Duero, Rioja and of course Penedes from Spain, exciting new quirky blends from Chile and some of the most elegant and well-balanced Burgundian style wines from California, Chris and I are confident that our line up is a real treat.
Tickets are £20 (to include a selection of cheese) in advance only available from the shop in Russell Street. Call 01538 382408 or email us at info@wineandwhisky.com to reserve your places now.
Léonie
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