Wine Shop Talk (III): Carlos Latre
An interview by Gastronomistas for Club Torres
“Wine has always been a part of my life”
Do you remember the first wine you ever drank?
I think my first was probably the co-op wine my family used to drink, most likely an afternoon bread-with-wine-and-sugar snack. Wine has always been a part of my life...it’s been a constant.
When did you get into wine? Did it all start with that first wine?
It began at my house, with my family, celebrating or simply sitting around a table together. Once I’d left home, I began discovering wines on my own, starting with those at the supermarket, which are essential in my opinion. Later on I was lucky enough to meet people who worked in the wine world, and they really helped me develop my passion.
Your top wine region is...
This is mostly a matter of proximity, because I lived in Tarragona until I was 18 so regions like Montsant, Conca de Barberà, Priorat and Tarragona were the most present in my life.
Do you focus on the wine producer or the DO (appellation of origin)?
At first I focused on the DO. Once I knew a bit more about each appellation and its characteristics, I started paying closer attention to the type of grape, the wine producers, the winemaking styles, etc.
Name your favorite variety
I’m big on Garnacha (my family is from the Somontano region, from Siétamo in Huesca), but I also enjoy Syrah, and some wonderful Pinot Noirs and Tempranillos... As for whites, my weakness is Riesling and Chardonnay.
Do you have a particular wine obsession?
There’s one wine I’m really crazy about: Penfolds, an Australian wine that, in my humble opinion, is on a par with the greatest wines in the world.
Which Torres wine would you recommend?
I have a soft spot for Torres wines. The first wines I drank were Sangre de Toro, Coronas and Gran Coronas. As for whites, Viña Sol and Viña Esmeralda opened the door to the wine world for me. I’m really fond of this winery.
What is your go-to wine bar and shop?
I have a lot of friends in the wine industry and really enjoy places like Celler de Gelida, run by my friend Meritxell Falgueras. I also have the ENORMOUS (and I’m putting that in caps) good fortune of knowing great friends of the wine world like the AMAZING Víctor de la Serna, José Peñín and Luis Gutiérrez. But my wine GURU, as well as great friend, is QUIM VILA, who runs Vila Viniteca. He taught me a lot about wine. Most importantly, he taught me how to ENJOY it.
Do labels influence your choices?
I like labels that provide information about the grapes, terroir, winemaking, etc. They’re very useful. If on top of that the design is modern and creative...even better!
Do you pay much attention to trends?
It’s impossible not to get swept up in trends, but I don’t follow them blindly. I think it’s important to figure out what we like, our personal tastes, while we’re on this incredible journey...
Are you more of a meeting-for-drinks or wine-tasting guy?
Both! As long as it’s done with joy!
Does wine have a sense of humor?
Definitely! Wine brings people together, inspires fun and spreads cheer... Wine without humor doesn’t make much sense to me. This is something I find lacking at times. The wine world is often much too serious. It needs to lighten up.
Recommend a perfect pairing please...
Friends, good food, a few laughs and wine...
Who would you drink your last glass with?
I haven’t drunk that one yet...but when I do, it’ll be in the company of my loved ones, for sure.