Raventos i Blanc Conca Del Riu Anoia Blanc de Blancs 2023 750ml

Raventós i Blanc | Blanc de Blancs | Conca del Riu Anoia | 2023

In 2012, Raventós i Blanc made a decision that sent shockwaves through the Spanish sparkling wine world: they resigned from the Cava DO. The family — whose roots in Penedès go back to 1497 — felt that Cava’s rules had drifted too far from quality and terroir, and they walked away to found their own appellation: Conca del Riu Anoia. The standards here are strict — all organic farming, indigenous varieties only, traditional method, and a minimum of 18 months on the lees. The Blanc de Blancs is sourced from Vinya del Llac, a single vineyard over 40 years old, and blends Xarel·lo (50%), Macabeu (35%), Parellada (10%), and the rare Malvasia de Sitges (5%) — none of which went through malolactic fermentation, preserving the wine’s natural tension and freshness. The 2023 vintage was the third consecutive year of extreme drought in the zone, producing a small, concentrated crop harvested earlier than ever. The result is a sparkling wine of genuine complexity: aromatic herbs, dry hay, and straw on the nose; vibrant, mineral, and zesty on the palate; with abundant fine bubbles and a spark of freshness that lingers through the finish.

• Appellation: Conca del Riu Anoia, Penedès, Spain
• Blend: 50% Xarel·lo, 35% Macabeu, 10% Parellada, 5% Malvasia de Sitges
• Method: Traditional method (Méthode Classique)
• Lees Aging: 18 months in bottle
• MLF: None
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vineyard: Vinya del Llac (40+ year old vines)
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Drink Window: Now – 2029

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

Wine Advocate — Luis Gutiérrez | 92 Points: Textbook nose of Mediterranean sparkling with notes of aromatic herbs, dry hay and straw. Vibrant palate with abundant small bubbles and a spark of freshness — balanced, clean and easy to drink.

Wine Spectator — Alison Napjus | 90 Points: Minerally on the nose, with hints of petrol and brine, offering notes of dried raspberry, mandarin orange peel, chopped almond and smoke set on the lively bead. Zesty finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Aperitivo: Jamón ibérico, Manchego, or pan con tomate.
• Seafood: Grilled prawns, oysters, or salt cod croquetas.
• Vegetable: White asparagus, artichokes, or herb-dressed salads.