Based in Corbera d'Ebre, the Ferré family has been farming organic grapes way up in the hills of Catalonia, west of Barcelona, for over 200 years. But it wasn't until 2009 when the twenty one... Read More

Based in Corbera d'Ebre, the Ferré family has been farming organic grapes way up in the hills of Catalonia, west of Barcelona, for over 200 years. But it wasn't until 2009 when the twenty one year old Francesc Ferré returned from his studies and took the helm that they decided to produce their first wines. It didn't take long for the newly coined Celler Frisach to gain a reputation for vivid wines that are a reflection of the unique terroir and the generational wisdom that comes with two hundred years of sustainably working this same little slice of Earth.

At a young age Francesc Ferré knew just how special this slice was. A combination of hot, dry days in the Mediterranean sun, evening onshore winds, and cool nights at Corbera’s high elevation allows grapes to maintain their acidity in otherwise arid conditions and makes it an ideal place to grow fresh, vivacious Garnatxa (local dialect for Garnacha). Add to that the unique calcium rich soil streaked with veins of quartz and it starts to become clear why they're capable of producing Garnatxa with perfect levels of ripeness while retaining the grape’s ever allusive minerality and acidity.

In the cellar, Francesc stays completely out of the way. A combination of climatic and soil conditions that keep disease pressure down and that aforementioned two hundred years of experience mean that the quality of the grapes are so high that nothing is needed in addition to those grapes and ambient yeast. That quality means the wines are naturally stable and retain freshness and thus minimal to no sulfur is added. In service of retaining freshness, the wines never see new wood as only used barrels and stainless steel vessels are used for elevage.

Celler Frisach makes wines that you could drink almost every day. They are humble and honest wines made thoughtfully by folks working tirelessly to craft something that is as sustainable to the planet as it is delicious to drink. They are lipsmackers but without the requisite lack of depth. Fruit, layered with minerals all washed down by waves of crisp, saline acidity displaying through these flavors, Corbera’s unique terroir.

Celler Frisach has one more trick up their sleeve. The price. As humble as the Francesc is the prices of his wines are even more so. Even with all of the hype, Spain still retains the lead for wines that punch above their weight class. At these prices these are the perfect wines to have bottles of stashed for surprise guests or a last minute picnic or however it is you safely gather these days. With enough fruiti to sip on a la carte but with plenty of verve to go with almost anything, their versatility is extensive. This would be an impressive wine at twice the price.

Respectful of his heritage but with an eye on refinement and constant improvement, Francesc Ferré and his family's Celler Frisach will undoubtedly continue to thrill and excite us for years to come.