T for Trepat

This is the first one in our series of posts of all things Spain: grapes, regions, producers and other exciting things! We are opening it with an exciting indigenous grape variety that hails from Catalonia, and more specifically, from the land of monasteries and modernisme that is Conca de Barberà. Meet your new favourite Spanish grape, Trepat!

The thrill of Trepat

Trepat is one of those regional gems that is almost exclusively grown in the northeast of Spain, in a stunning part of Tarragona province that is Conca de Barberà. Widely used for still and sparkling rosé (it is one of the main grapes in Cava Rosado), its reds have risen to popularity in recent years, with wine lovers around the world favouring lighter and lower-alcohol options. Trepat offers everything one is looking in a refreshing red or in an expressive rosé: moderate tannins and acidity, light almost Beaujolais-like pigment and beautiful berry fruit with a touch of light spice.

Conca de Barberà: glorious past and bright future

Home to the stunning medieval town of Montblanc, this rustic Catalan comarca (county) takes its name to a river’s drainage basin, and one can clearly see why looking at its landscapes: gravely river terraces coupled with chains of mountain ranges. Limestone and clay soils and the transition Mediterranean-continental climate create perfect conditions for grape growing, which is demonstrated by the region’s long-standing tradition of winemaking. The 12th century saw the Cistercian monks settle down in the area, passing down their viticultural knowledge to the local farmers, which laid the foundation for the bustling wine and spirits industry. Grapes were shipped to the nearby Tarragona province, and the economy flourished: back in 1754, Montblanc was home to no less than 54 distilleries, successfully exporting their range of spirits. The 19th century was marked by the devastating phylloxera plague, and it was not until the early 20th century that the region gradually got back on this feet. Today, 80% of the Conca grapes are destined for Cava, but still rosé and reds are finding their own space on the global market.

Wine Alphabet Trepat Selection

Tresor Rosé Brut, Pere Ventura

Fruit-forward 100% Trepat Cava with 15 months of ageing, crafted by one of the premium Catalan sparkling producers, Pere Ventura. Pairing tip: it’s a Brut, so that touch of residual sugar will make it perfect for more pungent flavours and hot spice.

Trepat Rosat, Cara Nord

Crisp and juicy rosé from sustainably farmed higher-altitude vineyards from the rugged area that is Prades mountains in Conca de Barberà. More expressive and fuller-bodied than a Provence-style rosé, this is a perfect companion for lighter salads and veggie stews.

Trepat, Josep Foraster

Light and elegant expression of Trepat with short ageing period in French oak barrels that lends a bit more body to this fantastic red from one of the leading producers in the region that is Mas Foraster.

Trempat, Vins de Pedra

A slightly quirkier and more herbaceous expression of Trepat by Marta Pedra from one of our favourite wineries in Empordà, La Vinyeta. Full of character – after all, its name means ‘vivacious’ in Catalan – yet refined and balanced, it is perfect as an apéritif red (we are big fans of this concept!)

Trepat, Carles Andreu

A great example of what a Trepat-based fine wine can taste like: well-integrated acidity, fine tannins, expressive berry and spicy flavours and long lingering finish. Winegrowers and winemakers (including some spectacular Cava!), Celler Carles Andreu grows some of the best Trepat in the whole area and have been pioneers in making ‘serious’ wines with this grape.

Stay tuned for our next letter!