2014 Succes Vinicola, Trepat Conca de Barbera “La Cuca de Llum” Spain.
To the north of Montblanc and west of Barcelona is the small region of Conca de Barbera, named for the castle of Barbera and small historic medieval town in Catalunya where Succes Vinicola makes some intriguing wines, especially the delicate and alluring Trepat La Cuca de Llum red. Trepat is a red grape, almost forgotten except for use in Rosé Cava is now the darling of the region and is getting the same interest and attention as Trousseau and Poulsard, the lighter style reds from the Jura, get now. The Succes Vinicola Trepat 2014 shows a delicate color, similar to Pinot Noir with bright ruby at the core and pinkish edges, which leads to a tangy red fruited wine that has a mix of spice, herb, red berries and mineral tones with smooth tannins and a lift of acidity, this vintage gives raspberry, tart lingonberry, bing cherry and orchard plum along with anise, hints of spring flowers, bitters/aperol and mild earthy essences. This is a succulent red wine that was fermented with native yeasts and aged in well used big casks, it gives a light impression on the finely detailed palate and has a crisp, but lengthy finish, great with a slight chill, it feels smooth and goes great with many food choices, even including seafood or subtle meat dishes, drink this very compelling medium/light bodied red over the next 2 to 3 years. If you are fond of Cru Beaujolais or Trousseau you’ll really want this wine, imported by Trumpet Wines, it is really fun and fresh with lots of old world charm.
($17 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive