2016 Vinya La Scala

The Jean Leon winery was established in 1963 by Jean León, whose real name was Ángel Ceferino Carrión Madrazo. He made a name for himself in Hollywood during the 1950s with La Scala, a popular hangout spot for the jet set. The winery in Penedès was set up to supply the restaurant. During a French influenced modernization in the 1970s and 1980s, the house’s focus turned to Bordeaux varieties. In 1994, the Torres family purchased the winery and added native varieties to the vineyard. The Cabernet Sauvignons–the first to be bottled in Spain–planted on panal calcareous loam soils are excellent, as is a local white, the Forcada. Cosmopolitan in style, the winery produces from 60 hectares of organic vines that surround it. The wines are commercial in essence and skillfully made.