Tasting New Ferrer Family Wines From Spain

Spain's Ferrer Family has made wine for 18 generations. I am not fortunate enough to have tasted some of the early ones, but I am glad that they invited me to taste the latest releases of some of their wines from Spain.

From the early days, the family has reinvested their profits in the business, starting with their home region of Catalunya (Catalonia in English, with Barcelona as its capital), then in other parts of Spain and, more recently, in wineries and vineyard land worldwide. Only wines from Spain were included in this tasting.

The wines that we tasted were an eclectic bunch, each reflecting its region of origin. All are recommended.

While reading my comments about the wines, note how reasonable these prices are. This is a common feature of Spanish wines at present due to the weak Euro and the beleaguered domestic economy in Spain. Help the economy by buying Spanish wines. Here are recommendations.

Paramus Verdejo 2014, DO. Rueda ($6) 

A little-known but emerging area in northern Spain focusing on white wines based on the Verdejo grape. Try this wine, it is great value and type-correct, so a good introduction to the grape.

Cordon Negro Sweet Cuvée, DO. Cava ($12)

Cava's answer to Asti Spumante and other sweet dessert wines. Best for toasts and at parties.

Valdubón 2013, DO. Ribera del Duero ($14)    

Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, a region producing some of the best tempranillo in the world.

Vionta Albarino 2014, DO. Rias Baixas ($14)  

The area of Rias Baixas is in the region of Galicia in the north west of Spain adjacent to the Atlantic Coast. In contrast to the Mediterranean image of Spain it is as wet as the U.K. and an indicator of the diversity of the Spanish climate.

Albarino wines from Rias Baixas are a sommelier exam favorite because they have such a distinctive profile. White. Citrus notes in the nose. Not grassy like sauvignon blanc. In the mouth look for high acid, no oak, possible salinity.

Garbó 2013 DO. Montsant ($17) 

The wines from the Montsant area can comprise unusual grape combinations. This one is merlot, syrah, and tempranillo.

Mas de Subirà 2011, Priorat DOCa ($21)

The priorat DOCa in Catalunya is one of the most respected winemaking areas of Spain. This wine is a blend of cariñena and garnacha.

Morlanda 2007, Priorat DOCa ($48)      

Good example of high-end priorat.