ABOUT: The Bodegas Forlong Blanco 2019 is created by El Puerto de Santa Maria locals Alejandro Navaerez and Rocio Aspera. In 2007 Rocio’s father bought a run down plot of land in El Puerto, a small, historic town on the banks of the Guadalete River in the province of Cadiz, Andalusia. The kids were set on making some wine, so they went to school, learned about winemaking and viticulture in hot climates and got to work. They released their first wines in 2012, reds made from Merlot and Syrah and whites made from Palomino and Pedro Ximenez. In 2014 they completed the construction on their bodega and brought in some large clay amphora. Serious business. All wines are hand-harvested and certified organic, with biodynamic methods going down in the vineyard. Yet another terrific example of an outstanding Spanish wine available at a great price. Keep them coming. TASTE: The Forlong Blanco 2019 is made from 100% Palomino grown on the famous Albariza chalk soils of Jerez. The grapes are harvested early and hand sorted, then allowed a slow fermentation in tanks and moved onto a slow chill on fine lees before bottling. Simplicity sometimes is the way, and here it is. Youthful aromas and flavors of pineapple, lemon peel, apricot, jasmine and salt. Whiffs of stone, honeydew melon, and brine. Delicious with a delicate structure, a truly unique white wine which ticks the boxes many others don’t. A shimmering wine with food as well. PAIR: Leek croquettes, Escalivada, Las croquetas con espinacas, miso-glazed carrots, fried rice, grilled vegetable pesto pasta salad, and crispy bean burrito from Taco Time.
