Fransola 2016

The now-pure Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Fransola, does not contain any Parellada anymore (it used to have some 10%), but it might have some Forcada in future vintages. It was selected to be produced from a higher altitude zone within Penedès to keep the freshness in the wine. It fermented in stainless steel and part in barrel and had an élevage of eight months in 50% new French and American oak barrels. It has notes of peach and apricot that reminded me more of a Viognier, with a notable absence of herbal notes. The palate has some more varietal flavors, citrus, with a faint bitterness in the finish, nicely balanced and fresh. It's a vibrant and balanced vintage. Some 78,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2017.

-Luis Gutiérrez