A Gang of Four Pours from The Jose Pastor Portfolio
6/7/11 -
(Pillars in O Ribeiro)
Over the past few years, importer Jose Pastor, through relentless tasting and travel, has put together a portfolio of Iberian wines of unparalleled depth and focus. On Tuesday, June 14th, from 5-7 p.m., four winemakers will be here pouring at the store: Pedro Peciña of Rioja, Luis Rodriguez Vazquez of Ribeiro, Gregory Perez of Bierzo, and Pedro Rodriguez Perez of Ribeira Sacra. These are some of the most vivid, terroir-driven wines being produced in Spain today, and Castilla y Leon, Rioja, and Galicia will be represented. We know it’s an unusual night to have a tasting, but this is a rare chance to take an in-depth look at Jose's super portfolio of wines - a unique and not-to-be-missed opportunity. Please read on for more information about the individual growers…
Pedro Pecina of Senorio y Hermanos de Pecina, San Vicente, Rioja Alta - A relatively young estate by Rioja standards (the bodega was founded in 1992), the Pecina's
wine-making and vineyard philosophies descend from the legendary La Rioja Alta estate, where the Senorio was vineyard manager for over 20 years. They have a 50-hectare estate, which is centered around the town of San Vicente in Rioja Alta (also the home of Vega Sicilia). Their vineyards are farmed organically, though they are not certified. Fermentations are with native yeasts and the wines (with the exception of the Joven) are aged for at least 2 years in 4-5 year old barrels. The wines are racked by hand using gravity. Only three producers do this in the whole D.O. of Rioja. This is traditional Rioja at its best.
Luis Rodriguez Vazquez of A Torna Dos Pasas, Arnoia, Ribeiro - Luis farms 27 steep hillside parcels around the town of Arnoia in the Ribeiro D.O. These 27 parcels add up to just 2.7 hectare. Almost all of the vineyards are south facing. He does not use herbicides and, generally, has a reasoned approach to the use of chemicals in his vineyards
(he will use them only when absolutely necessary). These granitic soils are planted to native varieties Caino Longo, Caino Redondo, Brancellao, and Ferrol. Fermentation is with native yeasts and very little new oak is used. Luis produces wines that simply transcend this historically humble appellation. He works out of a garage in which he also makes fabulous smoky chorizos and phenomenal grape spirits. He is the president of the Ribeiro D.O. A shy man by nature, it will be a pleasure to have him as our guest for an evening.
Gregory Perez of Mengoba, Sorribas, Bierzo - Gregory is a young wine-maker who grew up in Bordeaux. His father is Spanish, his mother, French. Before striking out on his own, he worked for Cos D'Estournel (St. Estephe) and Luna Bebiride (Bierzo). Gregory organically farms 7 hectares of vineyards in and around the towns of Espanillo, Valtuille, Villafranca del Bierzo, and Carracedo. He is now experimenting with biodynamics, and plowing with oxen. Gregory makes wine in a small garage with just a few stainless steel tanks and 10-15 barrels. Everything is done naturally in the winery with wild yeast vinifications and minimal sulphur additions. This is a seriously committed winemaker who's great vineyard work and innovative cellar techniques are beautifully manifested in the bottle.
Pedro Rodriguez Perez of Guimaro, Sober, Ribeira Sacra - Guimaro means "non-conformist" in Galician. Pedro farms a 7 hectare vineyard in the prime, steep sub-district of Amandi in Ribeira Sacra. With the help of the supremely talented Raul Perez his wines, B1P and GBG, are two great benchmarks for the region, not to mention his Joven, which is a fantastic value. Pedro is a committed young winemaker who is producing exciting wines. Recently, he has begun expanding his vineyard area little by little and wants to express this ancient and picturesque terroir through diversifying plantings of other native grape varietals such as Brancellao and Albarino. The new plantings are at the highest elevations in Amandi. We can only be excited for what the future brings. -cb
