Catalonia Wine

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada 67Wine.com | The current release of 67 Wine Somm Series Cava NV Brut is a blend of the three traditional grape varietals used to make Cava in the Penedes region of Catalonia :  Xarel.lo, Macabeo, Parellada.

Methode Traditionnelle (traditional method) and aged for 1 yr in the cellar after disgorgement.

Tasting Notes: Fresh and enticing with aromas of white peaches, brioche and white cranberries. Medium bodied with fine bubbles. The finish is refreshingly dry and clean.

Food Pairings: Perfect as an Aperitif or pair with an array of snacks, or your favorite dishes.

Expert Review

James Suckling writes 91 Points |  A well-balanced and flavorful blend of garnatxa and cabernet. Dark cherries, plums and earth aromas mingle on the nose and follow through to a medium body with creamy tannins. Vibrant with a fruity and chocolaty finish. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink now.

Expert Reviews 

Allison Napjus of the Wine Spectator writes |  A balanced bubbly with a lively mousse, this presents juicy flavors of black cherry and pineapple backed by a buoyant spine of acidity. Reveals hints of candied ginger and tangerine peel on the finish. Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada. Drink now.

90 Points Tasting Panel |  Blending 50% Xarel·lo, 30% Macabeo, and 20% Parellada from 25-plus-year-old high-elevation vines makes for an extroverted sparkler. A nose of croissant and lemon oil leads to flavors of lemon pudding, candle wax, and white flowers. Lively and focused.

Winemaker Description

This bright red bursts with flavor, violets, crisp cherry and ripe berried fruit. The wine has fine tannins that are a sleek frame for the expressive profile, with a long finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 92 Points | Racy red bramble berries with notes of hibiscus, pomegranates, cochineal and cherries. Some chewy tannins add more gravity to the otherwise medium-bodied palate. Juicy, firm and stony in the medium-long finish. Better in 2025.

Winemaker Description

It is very full in the mouth with a splendid bubbly sensation that fills the whole palate. Red fruit also appears, even more markedly in the nose. Long finish and great elegance. 

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada 67Wine.com  | 67 Wine Somm Series Cava Gran Reserva 2018 Guarda superior is a blend of the three white grape varietals traditionally used in El Penedes for the production of Cava: Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel.lo. 

The three grape varieties are fermented separately and the wine undergoes Traditional method production and then aged 48 months sur lattes.

Winemaker Description

Varieties: 70% of Xarel.lo, 20% of Macabeu and 10% of Parellada

The three grape varieties are fermented separately and then the wine do the second fermentation in the bottle like the method Champenoise in the CAVA aging more than 48 months.

Recommended Serving Temperature: 6oC

Aspect: Pale straw yellow in color. Brilliant appearance with constant release of fine bubbles forming a crown on the surface of the glass.

Aroma: Has the special aroma from the second fermentation in the bottle and evolution in the cellar. Extremely fine and fresh. An aroma from the ageing process that gives it a personality of its own like croissants, almonds, white fruit, salinity and minerality.

Taste: Still conserves the varietal flavors mingled with those of the ageing process to achieve a perfect balance. It is fine on the palate with a certain rejuvenating acidity producing a pleasant and extremely harmonious combination.
A fairly long finish in the mouth. The bubbles are very small and delicate and It’s very elegant.

Food and wine pairing:
It’s perfect with tapas, with sea food, fish, cheeses, chicken, white meat and dry desserts.

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Lead Wine Sommelier 67Wine.com | Castellroig is part of the prestigious Corpinnat designation that is meant to oversee the quality of grower in the Penedes region of Catalonia. Castellroig is also one of very few producers in the region that is 100% Estate owned.  Their philosophy for producing some of the region's best sparkling wines centers on the typicity of their terroirs of their various estates.  Varietal singularity is another part of their winemaking tradition.

Winemaker Description

Castellroig Brut Nature Reserva is an examplary wine of what corpinnat is seeking to achieve: A clear distinction from the mass-produced, low quality sparkling wines of the region. 

Aromas of green apples, with some herbal nuances: lemon-thyme and sage. Further aromas of lime peel and ripe oranges.  Medium-bodied with fine bubbles and persistent palate sensation. The finish is clean and refreshingly dry.  I highly recommend this Sparkling wine for its value and superb craft. 

A refreshing and rewarding traditional organic premium Catalan sparkling and a big step up from a lot of Cava.

A small group of producers from the traditional heartlands of Cava country, Penedes, left the Cava DO a few years ago as they felt it didn't reward or represent the quality wines they were producing with native grape varieties, and so formed Corpinnat - a new brand under which to market superior quality Catalan sparkling wines. Sabate I Coca's Castellroig Reserva comes from around 40 plots of Xarel-Lo, Macabeo and Parellada grapes that are grown to organic principles and vinified separately before blending and then undergoing the traditional sparkling wine method, like Champagne.

Lovely floral aromas of jasmine, white flowers, green apple and citrus, along with something a bit richer, lead onto a fresh and persistent palate with ripe citrus, orchard fruit and a fresh, dry minerality on the finish. Excellent value for money.

Great as an aperitif but would also work oysters and shellfish, white fish, and salads.   

Winemaker Description

Pale yellow color with golden hues. Good release of tiny bubbles rising in trains which ends up forming a cheerful crown of mousse. Very elegant sparkling Cava, with fruit notes and typical nuances of aging in bottle. In the mouth, it is very nice, with slightly sweet points and final apple reminiscences. Good acidity and persistence. Long and complex aftertaste due to long ageing in the bottle.

Winemaker Notes

Aromatic nose of mature fruits, red berries, and dry fruits combined with balsamic notes and mineral hints. The wine is medium-bodied, silky, and ripe, showing good fruit intensity on the palate and fine acidity. Finishing with freshness and length.

Our Professional Review

Somm Series Cava Brut Rose is made with 100% Garnacha. Traditional Method and aged a year in the cellar after disgorgement. Pale transparent pink hues. On the nose there's a bouquet of wild raspberries, cranberries and tangerine peel. Crisp and lively on the palate with a red-fruited spiced tinge. Refreshingly dry finish.

Food Pairings: Go against the grain and pair with a lovely Fruit tart.

- Oscar Garcia Moncada 

Winemaker Description 

Materia Prima Orange is a pale amber, slightly cloudy orange wine produced entirely from biodynamically grown Xarel-lo and Sauvignon Blanc. It's simple to drink but full of incredible skill.

On the nose, it has citrus peel, tropical fruit, and compote, and on the palate, it has a fine structure with pleasant density and tannins. The finish is long and complex, making this a must-try for anyone who enjoys Orange Wines.

Pair with: Chorizo Tortilla, Marinated Anchovies, Peas and Cod Salad. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description 

Blanca Cusiné: The traditional Xarel·lo variety is "connected" with two historical varieties of the quad-sparkling wines used in the world of the Khadonnay and Pinot Noir. Wine made by the traditional method of sparkling wine is aged with yeast for 80 months.

Blanca Cusiné: The traditional Xarel·lo variety is "connected" with two historical varieties of the quad-sparkling wines used in the world of the Khadonnay and Pinot Noir. Wine made by the traditional method of sparkling wine is aged with yeast for 80 months.

It refreshes, offering a delicate friendship of the tastes of yellow plums, toast, grated ginger and orange peel.

 

Winemaker Description

Celler Bàrbara Forés is a woman owned and operated winery located in the Terra Alta region of Catalonia, Spain. It was founded on the principles of agroecology and is known for its commitment to producing high-quality wines while respecting the environment. Uniting the efforts of three women, the winery's philosophy is rooted in sustainable viticulture and the unique terroir of the Terra Alta The wine is made with Morenillo from a single estate that has partly sandy soil but mostly a loamy texture. When the grapes have been manually harvested, they ferment in contact with the skins. Maceration lasts 21 days. After pressing, fermentation continues in stainless steel tanks, at a controlled temperature.

The wine is then aged for 9 months in clay amphoras.With the name Bàrbara Forés, the marriage of Carmen Ferrer and Manuel Sanmartín wanted to pay tribute to their great-grandmother Bárbara Forés, who was born in Gandesa on February 7, 1828. Bárbara Forés, the daughter of a wine merchant (Rafael Forés) and an agricultural owner (Maria Figueras), was a person of great character and had a decisive influence on her son Rafael.

Rafael Ferrer Forés, a pharmacist and illustrious winegrower, constructed the cellar of the manor house where he began bottling wine at the end of the 19th century. Bárbara Forés, therefore, represents respect and tradition in the production of wines, passed down from generation to generation for more than a hundred years in their house.

Winemaker Description

Pares Balta Cava Pink is smooth, refreshing and very graceful on the palate, packed with ripe, red berry fruit and balanced by a crisp, fresh acidity. Ideal for helping you to enjoy the summer sunshine. Or a rainy Tuesday evening!

Made using the traditional method developed in Champagne, this terrific Parés Baltà Pink Cava is quite stunning, and it is by far the best rosé Cava we've tasted for the price. This modern blend sees the traditional Xarel.lo component of white Cava replaced by 38% Garnatxa, alongside the 32% Parellada and 30% Macabeu.

Grape Variety: Garnatxa, Parellada, Macabeo/Viura

Redcurrant color with a very good sparkling crown of bubbles. On the nose aroma of red fruit with a light floral notes. In the mouth it is appetizing and fresh with hints of redcurrant and raspberry. Long, sweet and pleasant finish. Serving temperature: 8 – 10°

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia of 67Wine.com writes | At the end of my tour of Spain in September of 2022, I had the pleasure to spend time with Mireia Tetas of Bodegas Pinord in Vilafranca del Penedes, Catalonia, Spain. I was overjoyed with anticipation to visit the facilities of their brand new eco-friendly Winery. As Mireia explained to me, "it is one of the most energy efficient wineries in all of Europe". The entire Winery is equipped with state-of-art solar panels that fuel their need of electricity throughout the multi-level winery. Mireia also gave me a bit of a history lesson by explaining the word Pinord translates from Catalan to English as : "PINES OF THE NORTH". The winery name is a homage to the abundance of pine trees in the region. Pine Trees are a crucial part of the flora in Vilafranca del Penedes.

Bodegas Pinord, also, has the distinction of being one of the first wineries in Spain to receive Demeter Biodynamic certification. Pinord is very proactive in preserving indigenous species of Fauna and Flora, an initiative that has been part of their DNA as wine producers for over 100 years in El Penedes.

Mas Blanc Red Bat Priorat  2021 is a new project that Bodegas Pinord has developed in their Priorat winery of MAS BLANC. Pinord and The World Nature Foundation are working together to help protect the Bat population of the area. Bats are an integral part in maitaining balance in the vineyard's ecosystem. Part of the proceeds of the purchase of Red Bat go directly to The World Nature Foundation.

Mas Blanc Red Bat 2021 is predominantly Garnatxa Negre (local clone of Grenache Noir) with small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Visually the wine shows radiant hues of deep ruby. Aromas and flavors of dark berries, black cherry and warm spices. Medium-bodied with good grip and well-integrated tannins. The finish brings together nuances of espresso, figs and black olives.

Pair this beautiful Red Priorat with thinly sliced Roast beef dressed in a creamy red wine sauce. I had the pleasure to be served this great pairing at a local restaurant in Vilafranca del Penedes.

Winemaker Description

Intense aroma of fresh red fruits, with nuances of blackberry and slight hints of minerals and spices.

Taste: Notable taste of fruits, in good balance with the body of wine. Large concen- tration of soft tannins that give it a pleasant palate.

Winemaker Description

Partida Pedrer macerates in the winery with part of the whole berry and part of crushed grapes for 8-10 days. There it begins a spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts that ends and ends up aging in cement jars. Finally the wine is bottled without any type of additive.
 
Partida del Pedrer is quite a challenge. A natural red wine that shows the purity of expression, without additives of any kind. Pure Priorat.

Winemaker Description

With this new wine from Sumoll, Grosella, we return to our origins.By recovering little-cultivated varieties, we want to pay homage to that ancestral agriculture, which was practiced in the past, and which at Parés Baltà we have never forgotten.The large grain Sumoll has surprised us on how it exhibits its intense aromas with bright colors and mallow nuances.It has a very fruity pulp with thick and tinted skins, it shows all its splendor in a fresh and attractive wine.Sight: Red currant colour, low layer and bright.Nose: Forest fruits with intense and delicious aroma.Mouth: Refreshing, perfumed, light, acidity perfectly accompanied by the aromas that the post taste leaves us which makes it vibrant and easy to drink.

“Red cherry and light raspberry, rooibos, fresh peppercorn, light herbal notes of thyme, quite fresh overall, good deal of talc mineral notes. Decently chewy on the palate with good red fruit and light blackberry notes, fresh and crisp. While this is Sumoll, it’s from the ‘gra gros’ clone or larger-berried variant.”Miquel Hudin,  journalist

Winemaker Description

This is a wine from southern Priorat, which marks with a lively, warm and fragrant vein the serious, deep and enigmatic character of old vineyards. Blackberry aromas with balsamic notes typical of the brushwood. The palate is remarkably mature and fresh at the same time. 

Winemaker Description Rosa Cusiné is a long-aged single-varietal sparkling wine made exclusively with the Grenache variety. With this cava we want to vindicate the great potential of this variety so deeply rooted in our heritage and thus recover the memory of our ancestors. In it we find a synergy of elegance, structure and silkiness that make it unique. A cava in recognition of a lifetime’s work, the wisdom, energy and vitality of Rosa Cusiné, who celebrated her 100th birthday in 2020. Tasting Note

Varieties

Winemaking

Producer Description 

Maria de Maria Rigol Ordi Gran Reserva Brut Nature is made from 100% Xarello grapes from 40-year-old goblet vines in the Penedès depression, 300 meters above sea level, yielding 8000 kg/ha. Crafted using the traditional method.

Aromas of stone fruits and dried apricots, mediterranean herbs and balsamic touches. On the palate, dry, sharp finish with vibrant acidity that ends with a touch of salinity.

Producer Description 

Xarel.lo Macabeu and Parellada Medium-intensity sparkling wine. Elegant floral notes underpinned by peach, apricot, golden delicious apple and lemon peel. Ends with a subtle note of raw almond. Pleasant attack, mouth-filling and medium bodied. Certified organic 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Luis Gutierez of The Wine Advocate writes 92 Points | The white 2022 Terroir Històric Blanc is the regional wine that blends grapes from nine different villages, 75% Garnacha Blanca and 25% Macabeo from different soils, slate, clay, granite and alluvial. The bunches fermented for three to five days in stainless steel, and the wine matured in stainless steel for six months. It has 13% alcohol and mellow acidity, 4.5 grams. It has a spectacular nose that is very expressive, aromatic, clean and open with pungent notes of pollen and beeswax. It's juicy, round and clean with persistent and pungent flavors, not very high in acidity, eminently Mediterranean. Really impressive.

Winemaker Description 

Fragancia de Marta is an unique wine, for his elaboration, concept and design: a pale rosé color white wine or a pale rosé with a white wine soul. The grape varieties Xarel.lo, Sauvigon blanc and Pinot noir from the Penedés vineyards are the base for the Fragancia de Marta elaboration.

• GOLD MEDAL – INTERNATIONAL WINE AWARDS 2024
• 93 POINTS – GUIA GOURMETS 2024 – BEST ROSÉ FROM CATALONIA
• 90 POINTS – TIM ATKIN MASTER OF WINE 2024

  TASTING NOTES

  • • • • • Appearance: It presents a beautiful pale rosé color.
          • Aroma: It’ s fresh with fruity (tropical and white fruit) and floral notes. Palate: It has a good balance with smooth palate and pleasant finish.
          • Gastronomy: It’ s recommended for aperitif, assorted salads, pasta, rice and fish dishes. Enjoy anytime of the day.

Winemaker Description 

Crafted from a mix of Grenache Noir and Tempranillo grapes, BORN ROSÉ Barcelona is both organic and vegan, and is light on sulphites and alcohol. Born in Barcelona.

• Silver Medal Decanter World Wine Awards, vintage 2023

• Bronze Medal The Drink Business, vintage 2023

• Bronze Medal The London Wine Competition, vintage 2023

• Silver Medal Diseño y Packaging, The Drinks Business, vintage 2022

• Silver Medal The Drink Business Asia, vintage 2022

• Silver Medal International Organic Awards, vintage 2022

• Silver Medal The Drink Business, vintage 2021 

• Gold Medal The Drink Business, vintage 2019

Winemaker Description 

Cherry red color of medium intensity, medium layer. The nose is intense, with notes of jelly beans and red fruits combined with mineral notes of flint and a light background of toast. At the entrance to the mouth we will find soft tannins, with high volume and fat, well compensated by good acidity and a general feeling of verticality. Red fruits and mineral notes stand out, resulting in a long and intense aftertaste.
Evolution

In good conditions of this bottle will evolve positively for at least the next 7 years.

Winery Notes

Quality sparkling wine with very fine bubbles due to its long aging. Complex aroma, fresh notes of pineapple and eucalyptus, toasted cocoa and dried fruits, perfectly blended together. Voluminous, fleshy and fresh in the mouth. Structured and surprisingly fresh, long-lasting and well balanced.

FARMING

Certified Organic 

Winemaker Description

Separate vinification of Xarello and Macabeo followed by blending and traditional method sparkling winemaking. 

Hailing from the Sabate i Coca family farm just south of Barcelona. This cava is crisp and refreshing with hints of apple and pear. Perfect as an apertif! Certified organic.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Mike DeSimone of the Wine Enthusiast writes 91 Points | Pale yellow in color, this wine offers a bouquet of Gala apple and honeysuckle. Valencia orange, bergamot and dried-thyme flavors fade into a finish marked with touch of lemon grass. 

Winemaker Description 

Moderately deep soils except for Marges which brings its characteristic freshness and youth. The Rigolet y Baja, terroirs which add the concentration are terroirs of Miocene marl earth which allows the vine to absorb only the quantity of water necessary for adequate growth.

Sabate i Coca Castellroig Xarello 'So Blanc'

Fruity and creamy with apple aromas, pineapple, fennel, dried fruits and pine nuts. Intense in the mouth, dense and with a bitter edge that is highly distinctive and pleasant, preserving the freshness of the wine, and with a lightly sweet sensation at the end.

Winemaker Description 

Red wine Aged in wood. 20 months in French and American oak barrels and 24 meses en botella.

Pinord Chateldon Reserva 2019 captivates with its aromatic intensity, featuring prominent raisin and red fruit jam nuances, beautifully enhanced by a subtle hint of oak. Upon aeration, it unveils layers of clove and pepper, adding to its complexity.

On the palate, this red wine is smooth and well-balanced, with flavors mirroring its meticulous maturation. Its journey across the palate is harmonious, culminating in a prolonged and fulfilling finish that lingers, imparting a sense of opulence and richness.

Winemaker Description 

Segura Viudas Organic Cava is a delightful sparkling wine that embodies the essence of organic winemaking. It presents a pale straw-yellow color in the glass, exuding freshness and purity. The nose is greeted with enticing aromas of citrus fruits, green apple, and delicate floral notes, underscored by subtle herbal hints. On the palate, it offers a lively and well-balanced character, with flavors of crisp apple, lemon, and a touch of stone fruit.

Over the years, Segura Viudas has earned a reputation as one of the top producers of Cava. The winery has been noted for its high production standards, its labor-intensive approach to winemaking, and its penchant for releasing some of Europe's finest artisan sparkling wines. The estate that houses Segura Viudas dates back to the 11th century. 

Segura Viudas became a winery and began producing and selling wines in 1959. D.O. Penedes is situated between the coastal hills and the narrow plains of the Mediterranean coast. The influence of the Sea creates a mild, warm climate that is ideal for the vineyards. The soils consist primarily of limestone, clay and sand. 

Winemaker Description 

Notes of plums, cherries, strawberries and fresh oranges, subtle hints of cassis, raspberries and blackberries. There is a mineral touch on the nose and a saline and toasted touch stands out on the palate, with a very fresh and balsamic finish. An original and explosive wine.

Rocky limestone clay soil of very low fertility. Altitude of the vineyards: 800m above sea level. Spontaneous fermentation, aged 6 months, 1/3 of the grapes fermented and aged respectively in clay amphorae, French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks.

Winemaker Description

Medium pink. Aromas of ripe red fruits (strawberry&cherry) with subtle notes of violet flower. Clean, penetrating furit valors of red berry fruit, considerable body balanced by the acidity, elegant, finish and substancial length.

Decanter World Wine Awards & Magazine (UK): Vintage 2014 – Bronze medal.
International Wine & Spirits Competition IWSC (UK): Vintage 2013 – Bronze medal.
Guía del Vino Cuotidiano (ESP) Vintage 2012 – Cuadro de Honor. 90 points.
International Wine Guide (ESP) Vintage 2014 – Bronze medal.
Vintage 2012 – Silver medal.
Gilbert & Gaillard (FRA) Vintage 2014 – Gold medal. Vintage 2013 – Bronze medal.
“365 Vinos al año” de Vivir el Vino (ES) Vintage 2011 – 92/100 poins.
Catavinum World Wine & Spirits Competition (ES): Vintage 2014 – Silver medal. Vintage 2013 – Silver medal.
Guía Akatavino (ES) Vintage 2014 – 91/100 points.
Golden Leaf (ES) Vintage 2015 – Silver medal
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar (USA) Vintage 2011 – 90/100 points.
Wine Enthusiast (USA) Vintage 2011 – 91/100 points.
Wine advocate/Robert Parker (USA) Vintage 2011 – 88/100 points.
Wine Spectator (USA) Vintage 2011 – 91/100 points.

Winemaker Description 

La Fita - Els Arpiots is a white wine that embodies the essence of its origins –Penedes.

A blend of Macabeu and Xarel.lo, traditional grape varieties of Penedès, creates a fresh and light wine.

It bursts with aromatic intensity, evoking the Mediterranean with scents of white fruit and flowers. Its palate is gentle and straightforward.

Winemaker Description 

El Rall Artigas Alella Red, biodynamic wine, 50% Merlot, 20% Garnatxa Negra (Grenache Noir), 20% Syrah, and 10% Sumol from 4 vineyards planted on granitic sand. 

Oriol’s ancient vineyards of native vines are largely based on granite rock, known locally as Sauló, at between 100 and 350 metres elevation.  This results in wines often rich in minerality, conjuring aromas that will take you all the way to the Mediterranean. 

The grapes are destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tank with 3 days on the skins, then transferred to a mix of stainless steel tanks and used barrels to rest for approximately 18 months before blending and bottling with no sulphites. 

El Rall Artigas is natural, hot climate red wine which is bursting with flavour and although 100% pure, there is no real funkiness, just soft fruits and tension from the granite soils.