Finca Parera

Image gallery

VISIT THIS PRODUCER'S WEBSITE
LOCATE ON GOOGLE MAPS
VISIT IMPORTER'S WEBSITE
Country of Origin: Spain
Location: Sant Llorenç d'Hortons, Alt Penedès
People: Jordi Parera (father) & Ruben Parera (son), Owners & Winemakers
Viticulture: Certified Biodynamic

Items

One of the most exciting regions in Spain when it comes to natural wine has to be the Penedès region. It may sound a bit strange considering the amount of plonky Cava being made, but this is actually part of the reason young winemakers are trying to do things differently. At the forefront of this movement is Ruben Parera and his father Jordi.

Ruben was born into a family of farmers. He is currently in the fourth generation of farmers (since 1892) and heads his family's small winery Finca Parera where production is less than 1,500 cases annually. The family's vines are planted alongside their certified organic cherry orchards – the first to become so in Penedès. It wasn't until Ruben finished his viticulture and oenology studies that they started making wines under their label.

Their vineyards are located in the Upper Penedès. Upper Penedès is by far the furthest inland and is defined by its relatively high-altitude and mountainous characteristics. Grape yields in this area tend to be small, but quality is excellent. This area also enjoys the most rainfall and has the greatest temperature fluctuations. The Pareras' vines are planted in mostly calcareous-clay soil. They have young vines as well as vines around 78 years old.

Ruben converted his family's 10-hectare estate from organic to biodynamic in 2013. In addition to grapes and cherries, the family also farms almonds and olives. They have a vegetable garden as well as a bee hive for personal honey and they have donkeys and sheep to help in the vineyards. Everything on their land is farmed according to biodynamic principles.

Ruben has continued the natural processes into the cellar. Grapes are manually harvested. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts. Low to no SO2 is added. Ruben is crafting wines of the terruño (terroir). In his winemaking, he always seeks drinkability without compromising depth and complexity.

Currently Ruben is renting a small space for his winery in the nearby town of Sant Llorenç d'Hortons, about a 15 minute drive from the vineyards. However, he's in the process of restoring an abandoned, centuries old Masia on the property to a winery and residence. He's excited to be able to make wine and live and raise is family on the property, surrouned by his vines.

Certified organic and biodynamic by Organic Agriculture in Catalonia: CCPAE.
Certified biodynamic by Demeter.

Social Media
Finca Parera Facebook

Media Links
All Those: Interview with Rubén Parera
Knowmad Lab: Drone Shot of Finca Parera