The 2011 Masia Carreras Blanc is a Mediterranean white blend of old vines, 40% Carinena Blanca (a white mutation of the red Carinena), 30% Carinena Gris, again a color mutation, pink-colored variant of Carinena, 10% Garnacha Blanca, 10% Garnacha Gris and 10% Picapoll from granite and slate soils, aged for one year in French oak barrels with the lees. It has a balanced, complex, elegant and serious nose with subtle aromas and harmonious flavors, quite powerful, but elegant. The nose reveals subtle notes of spices and smoke, plenty of thyme, rosemary and lavender, fennel and aniseed with floral overtones. The palate is medium-bodied with very good acidity and freshness and a tasty, supple finish. A Mediterranean white of strong character. Drink now-2019. Masia Carreras is the property if the Marti Fabra family since 1305. They have a long tradition as grape growers. More recently, in 1991, they started selling their wines in bottle. They have 27 hectares of vineyards with some very old Carinena, over 70 years of age. Serious, well-crafted Mediterranean wines here. A name to follow. Importer: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates from Spain, Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767

A blend of 40% Carinena Blanca, 30% Carinena Rosada, 10% Garnacha Blanca, 10% Garnacha Rosada and 10% Picapoll, the character-filled 2009 Masia Carreras Blanc has a very fragrant, floral bouquet with hints of orange sorbet and apricot blossom that combine nicely with its discrete oxidative edge. The palate is well-balanced with a tight, peach and spice tinged entry. It offers crisp acidity and depth, lovely composure, with that oxidative/nutty note returning on the finish. Drink now-2017. Celler Marti Fabra has been owned by the same family since 1293 and apparently, they are in possession of documents that indicate vines as far back as 1305 (vintage unavailable here.) The unfertile slate soils offer minerality to their wines and yields are kept naturally low. They focus primarily on Garnacha and Carinena, plus a little Moscatel. Importers: Jorge Ordonez, Fine Estates From Spain, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767 and www.indigowine.com in the UK.