If you ask Pablo Calatayud, the winemaker at Celler del Roure, he will tell you that they never produce wines with scores in mind. And, undoubtedly, he is right. Despite receiving significant accolades for many of their wines from the esteemed wine guru Robert Parker, what truly matters to this winery in Moixent, Valencia, is the passion for the vineyard, the work in the field, and the dedication poured into each bottle. However, no one minds a little sweetness. And this wine, La Pebrella, has arrived with a blessing. As soon as it hit the market, it garnered 96 Parker points!
With La Pebrella, Celler del Roure unveils a new collection, Ferrero i Senís, named after the head of viticulture, Ferrero, and the oenologist, Senís. This line aims to explore a more subtle, refined, and elegant Mediterranean, where the land, climate, and native grape varieties merge to create truly unique wines.
La Pebrella originates from 4 hectares of vineyard, where the native varieties arcos and forcallà are cultivated on limestone soils, following organic practices. In the winery, the vinification process is as special as the wine itself: fermentation in 'cups' (ancient stone vats), with 50% whole clusters and the use of indigenous yeasts, bestowing freshness and authenticity. Subsequently, it undergoes a 14-day maceration and a malolactic fermentation in clay jars, an ancestral process that imparts character and depth. Finally, La Pebrella ages for 11 months in 2,500-litre clay jars and 54-litre glass demijohns, resulting in a red wine that directly connects with the land, tradition, and the magic of the Mediterranean.
In line with this, the name La Pebrella is no coincidence. It derives from a wild variety of thyme endemic to the regions of dels Aforins, known for its unique flavour, used to add a special touch to local cuisine. A perfect nod to a wine that, like the thyme, has its own personality, a character that transcends mere scores.