Wine Of The Week: Familia Torres Forcada 2019
This standout Spanish white is light, fresh and extremely versatile.
The name Familia Torres needs little introduction. The Torres family rules the Spanish wine scene, commanding a roster vineyards across the country — though they call Penedes home — and a stable of bottles ranging from easy weeknight staples to wildly special old-vine wines.
And while you may be familiar with the family, I’d bet Forcada is new to you. That’s largely because it’s new to almost everyone. A few decades ago, Familia Torres embarked on a mission to resurrect some of Spain’s lost grapes. That sent them taking out newspaper ads and scouring the countryside, searching for new varietals in the wild. Every time they found one — they’ve collected 64 undocumented new varietals to date — they would propogate and nurture it, turning it from a single forgotten plant until a field of fine wine vines.
One of those varietals, Forcada, is a rare gem. On the nose, lush florals and notes of chamomile and pear, with a touch of slate. One sip, and it’s both bright and honeyed, with creamier notes of beeswax and citrus with singing acidity and lush florals on the nose. It’s structured, but light, fresh and extremely versatile – it’s a wine that will hold your hand through multiple courses. (It’s also a great go-to for impressing more fastidious wine fans.) $79
Kate Dingwall is a WSET-trained sommelier and seasoned spirits writer. Her work has appeared in Wine Enthusiast, Eater, Forbes.com, and Food & Wine, and she pours wine at one of Canada’s top restaurants.
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