Laurona Falset Blanc de Laurona 2015
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
It was the first - and remains the leading - private winery in the region dedicated to the production of high quality wines from the superbly situated vineyards that surround the now famous Priorat appellation. The potential here was recognised shortly afterwards with the creation of a new D.O. Montsant, covering the villages around Falset and at the foot of the imposing Montsant mountain.
The wines are made from the various varieties planted in the area, mainly old vine Grenache and Carignan, plus newer plantings of Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ageing of the 'regular' Laurona is in 500 litre oak casks, a large proportion of which are new. The Seleccio de 6 Vinyes is actually micro-fermented in the oak casks, adding to the complexity of the wine.
These are wines of remarkable depth and smoothness. At the same time Laurona has wonderful lively fruit and rich spicy flavours that linger on a long soft finish.
The origin of the name Laurona dates back to Roman times when Pliny the Elder mentioned only one single vineyard of distinction from Tarragona called Laurona. It was quoted by him as being of high quality. Now in the 21st century, Christopher and René are making every attempt to revive the excellent reputation enjoyed by Laurona some 2000 years ago. Two of the first 5 vintages of Laurona have made the Wine Spectator Top 100 list, which would indicate that they are succeeding!
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.