The 2011 Josep Foraster Blanc Seleccio is a blend of 50% Garnacha Blanca, 40% Macabeu and 10% Chardonnay that undergoes a short twenty-hour skin maceration and sees no pressing. It is fermented 50% in new French oak for six months with weekly batonnage, the remainder in stainless steel. It has a fine, orange blossom-scented nose with good definition and touches of dried pressed flowers emerging with time. The palate has a waxy, resinous entry with subtle notes of dried apricot, nectarine and a little spice. It possesses crisp acidity with a composed, refined finish that lingers nicely in the mouth. Drink now-2018.
I visited Mas Foraster on a lucid sunny morning in Conca de Barbera. They farm 34 hectares at around 370 metres altitude. The estate includes plots planted in 1995 and 2001, introducing their white wine later in 2007. All fruit is sourced from their own vineyards.
Importer: T. Edward Wines, New York; NY; tel. (212) 233-1504; www.tedwardwines.com