Succes Vinicola 'Patxanga' Trepat Rosado 2022

Press 4 Mix/White • June 2024 Direct Press Selection

Mariona Vendrell and Albert Canela started Succés when they were only 20 years-old, taking advantage of a local incubator program for young winemakers. Though Albert's family were grape growers, he wanted to start a project that leaned more natural and paid farmers more to work organically. Located in Tarragona, northwest of Barcelona in Catalonia, they focus a lot on a local grape called Trepat that was typically sidelined to being used in rosé Cava. 

The Patxanga rosado is 100% Trepat from bush-trained vines planted in the 1970s, fermented in steel tank and bottled with zero sulfur. It's always a crowd favorite during warmer months, but it arrived in the US last summer and took a little while to resolve some issues with the dreaded 'mouse.' Luckily the mouse is not in the house anymore and it's a salty, refreshing treat as always. There is a touch of Brett in the wine, with an earthy bread yeast note on the finish along with some briny mineral notes and a touch of gingersnap—this last note being how I find Brett to be expressed in a white or rosé. Overall it's what Mariona and Albert intended: an unpretentious wine for summer and friends. 'Patxanga' refers both to a Catalan game of street soccer where the point is more fun than competition, and a style of music that often accompanies local summer festivities. Jonathan Kemp