JANCIS Robinson, one of the world’s leading wine critics, is gushing with praise for the wines of Fernando Mora, the young Spanish winemaker, pictured below, who is pioneering the resurgence of the Garnacha grape.
The full range of Mora’s exciting new wave Spanish wines are exclusively distributed in Ireland by J&C Kenny.
Robinson, the doyen of international wine writers, was in Barcelona, Spain recently to give a presentation one some of “the exciting wines emerging from Spain, from the cooler and or higher corners of its wine regions that had impressed me favourably recently”.
Ms Robinson added: Since the audience was Spanish wine professionals, I decided to choose what could loosely be described as Spanish new wave wines.”
To this end she tasted the full range of Moro’s wines – and wrote glowingly about the vintages tasted.
Frontonio, Botijo Rojo 2016 IGP Valdejalón: “This easy-drinking red from 35-year-old Garnacha vines. 10% whole bunch. Three different vineyards at 400-600m. Extremely juicy and sweet with good acid. There is some structure here and it doesn’t taste too alcoholic (14%).”
Frontonio, Microcósmico Garnacha IGP Valdejalón:“This manages to be both floral and mineral – an easy delight.”
Frontonio, Supersónico Garnacha IGP Valdejalón: “Undoubtedly a very fine wine that makes an impression… very refined and polished with a sort of ‘slatey’ end. Super fresh. A fine modern Garnacha.”
Frontonio, La Allas de Frontonio Garnacha IGP Valdejalón: “Fermented in open barrels, foot crushed, 20% stems included. Just two barrels produced, from vines grown on slate at 700m. Sweet, rich, voluptuous fruit… it certainly delivers.”
Frontonio, Telescópico 2016 IGP Valdejalón: “Garnacha Blanca, Maccabeo, 10-15% Viognier from three vineyards. They deliberately use second generation grapes to add acidity. No oak, just underground concrete. Co-fermentation. No malo. Broad, floral nose and then very fresh on the palate.”
Frontonio Garnacha Blanca 2016 IGP Valdejalón: “This Frontonio Blanca with a brown label was made in 500-litre casks. Refined. Extremely high acid. Still very youthful. Oak not evident. I’d love to see this in a year or two.”