Jordi Llorens ‘Blankaforti’

Based in the tiny village of Blancaforte, Jordi Llorens is an eighth-generation farmer that’s deeply involved in sustainable farming initiatives and championing biodynamic practices in the vineyard. Growing up among his family’s vines and almond trees yet when he left for the city to train as a geologist, he missed the freedom of the soil. So it was perhaps inevitable that he would return to the village and its unique terroir.

Celler Jordi Llorens was born in 2008 due to Jordi’s a deep history and knowledge of the land. His vines span several plots around the village at about 400-600 meters in altitude. Crisp nights and nice, hot days balance each other and make for some happy grapes which shows in the wine. Jordi is a gentle, sweet man! I adore him!! He is also passionate and outspoken for the land and the way wines can showcase the land of his forefathers while preserving the same land for the generations to come. Sitting down with Jordi over a bottle of wine quickly turns into several bottles with friends coming and going. 

A blend of three reds and one white grape, Blankaforti is some brightness into my grey days. Seriously so much fun to drink with a whole sensory experience that starts with plums, cherry and hints of tobacco. Intrigued yet? Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah - the reds! with Parellada - the white - make up this blend from Catalan, Spain. Jordi played around with this combo by allowing some of the grapes to go through carbonic maceration (inter-cellular fermentation). Of course, all the grapes are farmed biodynamically at higher elevation. Fermented in stainless steel to keep the fresh, red fruit notes but then aged on the lees (dead yeast that add a lot of richness to the palate) for 6 months before bottling. 

Marina felt like there’s a rather savory nose that kinda makes her think of a plum oat crumble. The first few sips give a punch of tart acidity and the slightest crunchy carbonic texture. And with all this it stays so, so smooth! Notes of Italian plum (that’s a touch underripe), some tart cherry, and definitely a hint of white pepper. 

Molly felt more sour pie cherry & definitely with a sort of fresh tobacco leaf savoriness. A definite punch of tart, red fruit that is quickly balanced by dark plum notes and pepper (both pink & white). Parellada brings some fresh white stone fruit to the party.

We’re still waiting to hear from Sebastiano - LOL!

All of us could seriously drink this any day!!