Among vines
Ferrer Bobet is based on respect. Respect for the Priorat centuries-old winemaking tradition. Respect for the economic and social development of this magical region in the south of Catalonia. Mutual respect between two good friends, Sergi Ferrer-Salat and Raül Bobet, passionate about the world and culture of wine. And respect for the people who seek a Priory that reflects purity and harmony, the mineral essence so typical of these lands. In 2008 our first two wines were released, Ferrer Bobet Vinyes Velles and Ferrer Bobet Selecció Especial Vinyes Velles 2005, made with some of the oldest vineyards in the Priorat. These two wines would be the first fruit of a dream that had been born with the arrival of the new century, the first big step in an intense and exciting journey.
The area
Ferrer Bobet is located in the Porrera area, a beautiful natural environment that has exceptional characteristics for viticulture and that, in fact, were decisive when deciding to opt for these places.
Porrera is one of the coolest areas of the Priorat, thanks mainly to the marked influence of the northeast winds, with a subtle moderating effect of the Mediterranean, and its topography, characterized by the presence of several of the vineyards located at the highest altitudes and with more attention to the designation of origin. These factors come together to create a strong thermal gradient between day and night, thus guaranteeing optimal phenolic ripening and the preservation of freshness, acidity and aromas. Likewise, the multiple orientations of the vineyards make up a rich diversity of mesoclimates and provide the possibility of creating wines of special complexity and elegance.
To all this we have to add soils composed almost exclusively of slate, the proverbial licorella, which only the best Priorat lands have, and which contribute vitally to the inimitable personality of the wines.
Until today, we have used centuries-old Cariñena and Garnacha Negra strains, coming from privileged vineyards that enjoy all these qualities, with the owners of whom we are united by a long relationship of friendship, affection and respect.
At the same time, Ferrer Bobet’s own vines were planted, in the surroundings of the winery, in 2004 and 2005, on carefully selected coastlines and terraces after exhaustive edaphic and adaptability studies, with the varieties of Cariñena, Garnacha Negra, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier and Roussane. We use, in each case, low-productivity rootstocks and clones, optimized for a perfect balance of the vine.
Of the 70 hectares that make up the farm, we have exclusively planted 15, in line with our respect for the biodiversity of these unique places. And this without forgetting to comment on an aspect that is fundamental for us: strict organic viticulture for our vineyards, which does not contemplate the use of insecticides or herbicides.
The cellar
The winery works like a ship wedged between vineyards, an object that rests on its precarious balance in the untamed landscape of this hidden corner of Priorat.
A remarkably submerged volume that accommodates the winemaking spaces and technical installations, sheltered from view. Only the upper enclosure, where the access, bottling and expedition spaces are located, as well as the visitor area, are present above the mountainous horizon.
The mimicry with the landscape, the technological dynamism and the lightness of the roof are the features that define this very particular agricultural building. A building that our reforestation efforts, the exuberance of the vineyard and, without a doubt, the inexorable passage of time, will allow it to integrate into the beauty of the environment.
