I recently had the pleasure of tasting Celler Pardas' Negre Franc, and it was love at first sip. The Negre Franc is a blend of Cabernet Franc (65%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%) and Sumoll (10%). Could the fact that this wine is dominated by Cabernet Franc be the reason it was instant love on the palate? Maybe. However, what is most important to take away is that this experience sparked my curiosity about the winery, so much so that I had to share what I've discovered here.
The Birth of Celler Pardas
Celler Pardas' story begins in 1996 when two local winegrowers, Ramon Parera and Jordi Arnan, embarked on an ambitious project in the heart of Catalonia's Alt Penedès region. They acquired the Can Comas estate, a medieval farmhouse with 60 hectares of forest, pasture, and scrubland. Little did they know that this purchase would be the first step in creating some of Spain's most intriguing wines.
The Team Behind the Bottles
Ramon, an oenologist, and Jordi, an agronomist, make quite the dynamic duo. Their complementary skills have allowed them to approach winemaking from both scientific and agricultural perspectives.
The pair were motivated by to create wines that truly expressed their terroir and reflected their corner of the world. Their approach wasn't that of investors looking for a quick return but of dedicated winemakers committed to nurturing the land and crafting high-quality, personal wines.
What inspires me most is their focus on giving historically rooted Spanish varieties a stage to shout from. Their willingness to be part of the "varietal revolution" happening in Penedès is a breath of fresh air.
Another feather in the Celler Pardas cap is that they've been welcomed into Corpinnat, an exclusive group of high-quality sparkling wine producers in the Penedès region. As luck would have it, I got to try their Hermos Corpinnat 2019, which rivalled some of the best grower champagnes I have had. Fine bubbles for unstoppable texture, depth of flavour on the palate, and a defined structure from the acidity. Drinking the Hermos will have you looking at sparkling wine from Spain in a whole new light.
Winemaking Philosophy
Of course, one of the items that set Celler Pardas apart is their respect for the land. They've adopted a philosophy that allows their vineyards to mimic nature, and here's what I find most fascinating about this approach:
1. They practice organic farming without irrigation.
2. They work the vineyards as little as possible to avoid erosion.
3. They allow spontaneous vegetation cover to encourage biodiversity.
As Ramon Parera told Good Food Revolution in an earlier interview:
"Our philosophy resides in allowing our vineyards to resemble and imitate nature. We treat the vineyards we cultivate and care for as an extension of their larger environment and neighbouring woods. We allow our vineyards to express themselves freely and according to the parameters and limitations placed on them by the land and climate. We only intervene in this process to direct and add minute but decisive touches."
This approach might seem risky, but it results in grapes with real character and expression.
Final Thoughts
As I sip my Negre Franc, I can't help but slip into an ethereal state of observation. There is a real connection to these wines – the chalky soils, the Mediterranean forests, and the care put into every vine. Celler Pardas isn't just making wine; they're bottling the truth of their corner of the world.
As I write this, I am enjoying my glass of Negre Franc with Guyanese Fried Rice. What makes Guyanese or Caribbean fried rice different from the rest is the selection of herbs used. It also includes bora, diced chicken, beef, and shrimp. Based on textures and flavours, this has got to be my favourite type of fried rice. Moreover, this pairing amplifies the palate's all-spice, a flavour I love, and the red berries are becoming more pronounced. It's just delicious.
So, if you're looking to explore Spanish wines beyond the usual suspects, I highly recommend seeking out a bottle from Celler Pardas. Who knows? You might just fall in love, just like I did.
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