The Trepat
Grape
A red grape variety primarily found in Catalonia, Spain, used mainly for producing rosé cava and light red wines. Trepat wines are characterized by their light body, high acidity, and flavors of red berries and floral notes, offering a fresh and delicate profile.
Trepat
Grape History
Trepat is a lesser-known red wine grape variety that hails from the Catalonia region of Spain. Historically, it has been primarily grown in the Conca de Barbera and Costers del Segre regions of Catalonia, with some plantings in the nearby regions of Penedes and Tarragona. This ancient grape has a long history, dating back centuries, and is believed to have originated in the Conca de Barbera region.
Trepat is a versatile grape that is mainly used in the production of rosé sparkling wines, particularly in the production of Cava, a famous Spanish sparkling wine made using the traditional method. Trepat is valued for its ability to produce light, fruity, and elegant wines with a vibrant acidity and a distinctive red berry fruit character. The wines made from Trepat are often light in color, with flavors of strawberries, raspberries, and cherries.
One interesting fact about Trepat is that it is one of the few red grape varieties that are allowed in the production of Cava, Spain's renowned sparkling wine. Trepat is often blended with other grape varieties such as Garnacha and Monastrell to add complexity and depth to Cava blends. Additionally, Trepat is also used to produce still red wines, which are gaining popularity in the market for their freshness and easy-drinking profile.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Trepat, with some winemakers in Catalonia focusing on showcasing the unique qualities of this grape variety in both still and sparkling wines. As consumers become more interested in exploring lesser-known grape varieties and seeking out new and exciting wine experiences, it is expected that Trepat wines will continue to gain recognition and popularity in the market.
The future of Trepat looks promising, as more winemakers experiment with different winemaking techniques and styles to highlight the distinct characteristics of this grape. With its ability to produce high-quality sparkling and still wines that are fresh, fruity, and easy-drinking, Trepat has the potential to become a sought-after grape variety both in Spain and on the international wine scene. As the appreciation for indigenous grape varieties grows, Trepat is poised to carve out a unique place for itself in the world of wine.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel