2016 Raventos i Blanc Vins de Terrer, ‘La Rosa’

Region: Penedès < Catalunya < Spain
Grapes: Pinot Noir, Grenache, Xarel-lo
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified biodynamic, shallow, infertile limestone soil, filled with sea shells, that formed over 5 million years ago. Direct to press, with little maceration, fermentation and aging in stainless steel.
Winemaker: Manuel and Pepe Raventós

NEW VINTAGE ALERT – we featured this beauty last summer, and now she’s back with a new cepage (now some Grenache + Xarel-lo in there alongside the Pinot) – fresh and prettier than ever! The Raventós family is essentially the first family of Cava – it was an ancestor of the current owners who produced the first bottles in 1872, and the estate has been in the family since 1497.  While some producers with this type of heritage are content to rest on their laurels and increase production to capitalize on the growing popularity of Cava around the world, as many other producers did, they undertook a massive project to study and identity the different soil types throughout their property. They also became certified biodynamic in the vineyards and modernized the winery. Through this process they found that their wines were not adequately protected by the D.O., (the governing body that makes the viticulture and winemaking rules for the region), so they removed themselves altogether. A bold move for a winery that is still family-owned. While their primary focus remains sparkling wine, they also produce a few still wines under their new Vins de Terrer label.  Produced from just a few rows of Pinot planted on the top of the highest hill on the property, plus local varieties Grenache and Xarel-lo (used in Cava), this pretty La Rosa bottling takes its name from the roses planted amongst the vines. Light and refreshing, with just the right amount of strawberry and zesty acidity, it begs to be enjoyed outside, before noon, on a sunny day.