Motorcycle in the Cellar, Wine in Your Glass

Tucked away in the corner of the foyer at Mas Foraster, almost hidden among the old photographs, ancient farm equipment, and colored glass demi-johns on display, there is an antique Motorcycle.

Looking around the “family museum,” you can start to build the story of the family, with all the personal artifacts on display. But the motorcycle, despite being nearly hidden away near a stone staircase at the back of the room, must hold a special place in Ricard’s heart— why else would he immortalize it with a wine called ‘La Moto’, and stick its silhouette on the label?

Ricard Foraster took over the family business in 2007, and in 18 years of running the organic farm and making wine, he’s added a lot of history to the estate.

Located in the small town of Montblanc, in the mountains above Tarragona, in the appellation of Conca de Barberà, Ricard practices his craft at an intimate scale. His passion is Trepat. “It is the essence of Conca de Barberà and my cellar.”

In those 18 years, he’s experimented and expanded the possibilities of what this indigenous grape can offer. With this wine, he's blended Trepat with two other varieties, crafting an elegant, high-toned wine with plenty of fruit and a juicy freshness.

We didn’t have time to get the full story of the motorcycle out of Ricard--our visit was cut short--but the namesake wine is a winner. I like to imagine this as an homage to the wild and intrepid spirit of Ricard’s forebears. It is certainly a beautifully carefree wine.

• Josep Foraster La Moto 2023 •

With a base of 70% Trepat, Ricard’s signature focus, the blend is rounded out by 20% Garnacha and 10% Syrah. Ricard macerates the grapes on the skins for an extended 40-day period, then briefly ages in barrel for 4 months before bottling. The result is inviting wild, brambly berry aromas, silky texture, and lenghty fresh finish.

It is an artful combination; Trepat’s elegance and drinkability, with the plushness of Garnacha, and the spice of Syrah. It’s fresh, a little wild, and built for pure drinking pleasure. A wine to pop the cork, pour a glass, and feel the wind in your hair.