Parés Baltà, Penedès DO, INDIGENA, biodynamic wine, red, 2019, from €12.60

The name of this biodynamic wine Parés Baltà Penedès DO INDIGENA already suggests it. Autochthonous, genuine, at home here in the Mediterranean climate is the Garnacha vine, which is not easy to cultivate but is well adapted to the heat and drought. When you enjoy this red wine you will understand what I mean by that.

Biodynamic wine awarded

Jancis Robinson. 17/20 points.
Peñin Guide. 92/100 points and 5 stars for its great value for money.

Organic wine - profile

• Colour: bright garnet
• Nose: a potpourri of scents reminiscent of red fruits and red wild berries, spicy herbs, accompanied by the subtle aromas that this biodynamic wine adopted during its short stay in the wooden barrel.
• Mouth: overwhelming abundance of fruity flavors that are smooth and almost elegant. A red wine with personality that is worth exploring. Long, intense, fruity, balanced aftertaste with fine-grained, ripe tannins.
• Drinking recommendation:  15-17° C, can be combined in many ways with dishes.

   

Organic wine - preparation Parés Baltà, Penedès DO, INDIGENA, biodynamic wine, red

The Garnacha grapes with very small percentages of other varieties are harvested by hand and pressed with gravity. The fermentation of the mash at 20°C takes 2 weeks. During this process, the mash is pumped around daily so that the berry skins floating on the liquid are always wet and the colors and flavors contained in them can be extracted. After that, this biodynamic wine matures for a short time in French oak barrels that have already been used 1-2 times for other wines. The aim is to preserve characteristic fruity notes and give it only delicate and attractive nuances of oak barrel aging.

The wine at a glance

• Wine type: red wine
• Cultivation area: DO Penedes
• Winery - Producer: Pares Balta
• Grape varieties: Garnacha
• Fermentation: stainless steel tank
• Aging: 8 months in 2-3 year old barriques
• Bottler: Pares Balta
• Content: 0.75
• Closure: natural cork
• Vintage: 2019
• Shelf life: up to 8 years from vintage
• Alcohol 14.5% Vol.
• Suitable for vegans
• Allergenes: contains sulfites
• Organic wine certified ES-ECO-019-CT
• We source this biodynamic wine directly from Pares Balta, Masia Can Balta, S/N, 08796 Pacs del Penedès, Barcelona,  Spain< /li>

For information and photos from Pares Balta

Vins el Cep, Cava, L’ALZINAR BRUT RESERVA, 2018, organic, from € 12,95

This Vins el Cep Cava, L’ALZINAR BRUT RESERVA laid the foundation for the excellent reputation that the Vins el Cep winery has for all its cavas today on an international level.

Organic Cava sparkling wine - Profile

• Color: light yellow, fine, delicate pearls
• Nose:fresh, fruity aromas of young apples and citrus fruits.
• Mouth: well-defined on the palate, fresh, free and stimulating in the mouth with a delicate acidity, a light yeast note reminiscent of a fresh baguette. Very pleasant and harmonious.
• Drinking recommendation: Serve this wine at 10-12 ° C.

Organic Cava sparkling wine, L'Alizar, Reserva, white

The winery comprises 100 hectares of vineyards, 30 hectares of which are cultivated biodynamically according to the criteria of the Demeter Association and 70 hectares organically. Since the grapes for all wines come from both biodynamic and organically cultivated vineyards, with a few exceptions, they may not be declared as such according to the current Demeter rules. Over the next few years, all vineyards will be converted to biodynamic viticulture.

The grapes for this cava come from the Can Miquel de les Planas and Can Prats vineyards, both of which are located in the privileged wine-growing area of ​​Espiells and have been organically farmed for many years.

The 2018 vintage was characterized by great drought and a 20% lower harvest volume with excellent grape quality with a very early harvest time.

The grape harvest was carried out manually and at the same time only the best grapes were selected and brought to the cellar in small transport boxes. Fermentation took place with the natural yeasts on the grapes in small, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The second fermentation was carried out in bottles like champagne and lasted 18 months.

The wine at a glance

• Type of wine: sparkling wine, white
• Region of production: Penedes
• Bodega - Wine estate: Vins el Cep
• Variety: Xarel·lo, Macabeu, Parellada
• First fermentation: in small temperature regulated stainless steel tanks
• Second fermentation and aging: 18 month in bottles
• Bottling: Vins el Cep
• Quantity: 750 ml
• Vintage: 2018
• Shelf life: 8 years from vintage
• Alcohol: 12 % vl.
• Allergens: contains sulphites
• Vegan
• Ccertification ES-ECO-019-CT
• We source this organic wine directly from Vins el Cep, Can Llopart Alzines, 08770 Espiells, Spain

Information and photos from Vins el Cep

Vins el Cep Cava CLOS GELIDA EXCLUSIVE RESERVA, brut, organic sparkling wine, white, 2017, from € 14,40

It is no coincidence that this Vins el Cep Cava CLOS GELIDA EXCLUSIVE RESERVA is the winery's most successful international cava. Its elegance, balance and freshness are the reason for its great popularity all over the world.

Organic Cava sparkling wine - Profile

• Color: light yellow, fine, delicate pearls
• Nose: fresh, fruity aromas of young apples and citrus fruits.
• Mouth: well-defined on the palate, fresh, free and stimulating in the mouth with a delicate acidity, a light yeast note reminiscent of a fresh baguette. Very pleasant and harmonious.
• Drinking recommendation: Serve this wine at 6-7° C.

Organic Cava sparkling wine, CLOS GELIDA EXCLUSIVE RESERVA, brut,

The winery covers 100 hectares of vineyards, 30 hectares of which are cultivated biodynamically according to the criteria of the Demeter Association and 70 hectares organically. Since the grapes for all wines come from both biodynamic and organically cultivated vineyards, with a few exceptions, they may not be declared as such according to the current Demeter rules. Over the next few years, all vineyards will be converted to biodynamic viticulture.

The best vineyards have been selected for each variety. Macabeo by Can Simón, Xarel lo by Can Prats in Sant Llorenç d'Hortons, Parellada
from Can Castany and Chardonnay from Can Miquel de les Planes in Gelida, the privileged area of ​​Espiells.

The 2017 vintage was characterized by great drought and a 20% lower harvest volume with excellent grape quality with a very early harvest time.

The grape harvest was carried out manually and at the same time only the best grapes were selected and brought to the cellar in small transport boxes. The fermentation took place with the natural yeasts found on the grapes in small, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The second fermentation was carried out in bottles like champagne and lasted 36 months.

The wine at a glance

• Type of wine: sparkling wine, white
• Region of production: Penedes
• Bodega - Wine estate: Vins el Cep
• Variety: 40 % Xarel·lo, 25 % Macabeo, 20 % Chardonnay, 15 % Parellada
• First fermentation: in small temperature regulated stainless steel tanks
• Second fermenation and aging: 18 month in bottles
• Bottling: Vins el Cep
• Quantity: 0.75 l
• Vintage: 2017
• Shelf life : 8 years from vintage
• Analysis: Alcohol 12 % Vol., Acidity 6.1, Sugar residuel 8 g/l, ph 2,98
• Allergenes: contains sulfite
• Vegan 
• organic certification: ES-ECO-019-CT
• We source this wine directly from Vins el Cep, Can Llopart Alzines, 08770 Espiells, Spain

Information and photos from Vins el Cep

Vins el Cep, Cava Gilmas, brut, organic sparkling wine, white, from € 12.55
 

Vins el Cep, Cava Gilmas, Reserva, brut is made from the Yarel-Lo grape variety, which is perfect for sparkling wines. These vines were planted in 1987 and have been treated and cared for in a biodynamic way.

Organic Cava - Profile

• Colour: light pale green vivid colour
• Nose: delicate scents of white fruits and fresh citrus fruits, as well as a restrained vegetal note.
• Mouth: the lively and fine mousse feels very pleasant and refreshing in the mouth. The aromas are very clear and pure, they create a good, free mouthfeel with a long aftertaste.
• Drinking recommendation:  ;Serve this cava at 8-9°C as an aperitif, with tapas, appetizers or even with fish and light veterinary and vegan dishes.

Preparation of Vins el Cep Cava Gilmas, brut, organic sparkling wine, white

The winery covers 100 hectares of vineyards, of which 30 hectares are farmed biodynamically according to the criteria of the Demeter Association and 70 hectares are farmed organically. Since the grapes for all wines, with a few exceptions, come from both biodynamic and organically farmed vineyards, they may not be declared as such according to the applicable Demeter rules. Over the next few years, all vineyards will be converted to biodynamic viticulture.

The grapes for this cava come from the Espiells site and the Can Miquel, de les Planes, Can Prats, Gelida and Sant Llorenc d'Hortons vineyards. The vines in these vineyards were planted between 1958 and 1990 and are therefore at the best age to produce high quality grapes.  

The 2020 vintage was characterized by sufficient rain in spring and humidity during growth and ripening, which resulted in powdery mildew and 75% crop loss. The rise in temperature in July allowed an early harvest of very good grapes that resisted mildew The harvest was small but of excellent quality grapes. They were harvested manually and brought to the basement in small transport crates. Fermentation took place separately for each grape variety in small, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts. The base wines matured in wooden barrels for three months, then the marriage took place, i.e. the individual varietal wines were combined in a large stainless steel tank. For the second fermentation, some yeast was added to the wine and bottled. They were then placed upside down on shakers and rotated regularly so that the yeast at the bottom of the bottle could slowly move into the neck of the bottle. This maturation process lasted five years. This was followed by disgorging, i.e. removing the yeast plug from the bottleneck. The missing quantity in the disgorged bottles was refilled from other bottles. After this process  the bottles  are corked, provided with a clasp, washed, dried, a label is stuck on and a sleeve is put over the cork.

The wine at a glance

• Type of wine: sparkling wine, white
• Region of production: Penedes
• Bodega - Wine estate: Vins el Cep
• Variety: Xarel·lo
• First fermentation: in small temperature regulated stainless steel tanks
• Second fermentation and aging: 60 month in Flaschen
• Bottling: Vins el Cep
• Quantity: 0.75 l
• Vintage: 2020
• Shelf life : 8 years from vintage
• Alcohol in % Vol.: 12 % Vol.
• Allergenes: contains sulfite
• Vegan 
• organic certification: ES-ECO-019-CT
• We source this wine directly from Vins el Cep, Can Llopart Alzines, 08770 Espiells, Spain

Information and photos from Vins el Cep

Can Descregut, Reserva Corpinnat brut natur, organic sparkling wine, white, 2017, from € 12,20

Can Descregut is a member of the Corpinnat association. Corpinnat is a community trademark of the European Union. It was born from the desire to draw attention to the great sparkling wines (cavas) produced in the heart of the Penedes from 100% organic grapes harvested by hand. They are subject to high, uniform quality requirements: the grapes for this wine must come from the vineyards of the wineries concerned and all the work steps from the production of the base wines, fermentation in bottles, disgorging and labeling must take place on the winery. Thus, the Can Descregut, Reserva Corpinnat brut natur differs significantly from the cavas from mass production.

Organic wine profile

• Colour: Pale yellow color with golden reflections, fine and constant mousse.
• Nose: Perfect balance between fruity notes and tertiary aging tones like a fine yeast pastry.
• Mouth: it is structured and full, creamy, very good harmony between the low residual sugar and the delicate acidity. Suitable to enjoy alone, but it could also accompany a good meal.  
• Drinking recommendation: Serve this Cava Corpinnat at 6-8° C.

   

Organic wine - preparation, Can Descregut, Reserva Corpinnat brut natur, organic sparkling wine, white

The grapes come from the Cuc, Figuera, "Triangel and Pupurri vineyards. They are harvested by hand to avoid oxidation before pressing. The base wine is spontaneously fermented at the Can Descregut winery with the grapes' own yeasts, then aged for 6 months on its yeast. Before the second fermentation in bottles, this base wine is only lightly filtered, some sugar and yeast are added to start the second fermantation and the bottles are closed with a crown cork.
The wine ferments and matures in it for at least 18 months to become a cava (sparkling wine). The bottles, which are crooked in a kind of desk, are regularly shaken by hand so that the yeast that settles on the bottom and rim of the bottle slides into the bottle neck, where it forms a relatively firm plug that is removed from the bottle during disgorgement . The missing quantity in the bottle is not replaced with a "Liqeur" made of sparkling wine and a sugar solution as usual, but only with the same sparkling wine from another bottle. Hence the name Brut Nature.

Disgorging only takes place when necessary and not completely after 18 months.

No sulfur is added to this Cava Corpinnat, so it can be described as a natural sparkling wine.

The wine at a glance

• Wine type: sprkling wine
• Wine region: Penedes
• Bodega - Producer: Can Descregut
• Grape variety: Xarel-lo, Macabeo, Parellada
• Vinification: Classic sparkling wine process,  2nd fermentation in bottles for at least 18 months
• Bottle filling: Can Descregut
• Content: 0.75 l
• Vintage: 2017
• Shelf life: 10 years from vintage
• Alcohol: 11 % Vol.
• Vegan
• Allergens: contains only endogenous sulfur, but no additives.
• Organic certified ES-ECO-019-CT
• We source this wine directly from Can Descregut s/n, 08735 Vilobí del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain
• For information and photos by Can Descregut

Vins el Cep Xarel-Lo, organic sparkling wine, methode ancestral, from € 16.35

This Vins el Cep PET-NAT Xarel-Lo, organic old-style sparkling wine produced as the first champagnes in history.
Pet-Nat is the abbreviation of the French term "Pétillant Naturel", in English "natural sparkling wine" because the pressure in the bottle is as high as with champagne.
Please read below how this PET-NAT is generated. l

Organic PET-NAT - profile

• Color: light greenish color
• Nose: fresh, fruity aromas of white peaches, young apples and citrus fruits.
• Mouth: very approachable with fresh aromas, fine sparkling, with delicate acidity and restrained vegetal notes. On the palate, fresh, free and stimulating in the mouth with delicate acidity and a light note of yeast. Overall very harmonious with a pleasant, long-lasting aftertaste.
• Drinking recommendation: Serve this PET-NAT at 8-10° C.

Organic PET-NAT - preparation, white

The winery covers 100 hectares of vineyards, of which 30 hectares are farmed biodynamically according to the criteria of the Demeter Association and 70 hectares are farmed organically. Since the grapes for all wines, with a few exceptions, come from both biodynamic and organically farmed vineyards, they may not be declared as such according to the applicable Demeter rules. Over the next few years, all vineyards will be converted to biodynamic viticulture.

The grapes for this PET-NAT come from the Espiells vineyard and the Josepeta vineyard it contains, which was planted with Xarel-Lo vines in 1987 and have been growing ever since without chemicals and artificial fertilizers, or was farmed organically. 

The 2021 vintage was characterized by sufficient rain during the growth phase. An ideal ripening period allowed for a good harvest of high-quality grapes, which were taken to the winery in small crates for further processing in the first week of September.

The actual winemaking started with a light pressing of the grapes and a short maceration of the berries and skins. Fermentation took place in small stainless steel tanks. As soon as the wine had reached a sugar content of only 25 g/l, the wine was bottled for the second fermentation, these were sealed with crown caps and placed upside down in a shaker. As soon as the yeast visibly settled on the edge of the bottle, the shaking of the bottles began, causing the yeast to slide along the edge of the bottle into the neck of the bottle, where it forms a solid plug. At the end of this fermentation process, the bottles were opened, the yeast plug removed and the missing quantity replaced with another bottle.

The wine at a glance

• Wine type: PET-NAT, white
• Wine-growing region: Penedes
• Bodega - Producer: Vins el Cep
• Grape variety: Xarel lo
• First fermentation: in small temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks
• Second fermentation and aging in bottle: 12 months
• Bottle filling: Vins el Cep
• Content: 0.75 l
• Born: 2021
• Storage: 6 years from vintage
• Alcohol: 12% Vol.
• Allergens: Contains sulphites
• Vegan
• Certified:  ES-ECO-019-CT
• We obtain this Bio-PET-NAT directly from Vins el Cep, Can Llopart Alzines, 08770 Espiells, Spain

Information and photos from Vins el Cep

Pares Balta CAVA BLANCA CUSINE BRUT NATURE, biodynamischer Cava, from € 21,60

This Pares Balta CAVA BLANCA CUSINE BRUT NAT< strong>URE is a tribute to the women of the Parés Baltà winery. In particular to the youngest daughter Blanca of Joan Cusiné and his wife and oenologist María Elena, who was born in 2002. This was also the first vintage of these emblematic cavas, telling of the importance of cava for the winery and for the Cusiné family..

Awarded organic Cava

Falstaff Magazine. The best Spanish sparkling wines.
Wine Spectator Magazine. 90/100/100 points.
Peñin Guide. 93 points.

Organic Cava - Profile

• Colour: Golden yellow (due to long maturation)
• Nose: Intense scents reminiscent of dried fruits, crystallized honey and caramel, complemented by a delicate note of yeast from a freshly baked brioche added.
• Mouth: Elegant entry, firm in the mouth with very good acidity, silky soft, fine mousse, absolutely dry, but creamy on the palate, rich with a mineral, slightly salty note and a long finish. A cava with great class!
• Drinking recommendation: Serve this cava at 6-7° C.

Organic cava - preparation, Pares Balta, CAVA BLANCA CUSINE BRUT NATURE

The grapes, harvested manually, are collected in small boxes and immediately taken to the winery to avoid their oxidation.

There, the Chardonnay and Xarello grapes are pressed separately and fermented in stainless steel tanks at 16 °C.

The Pinot Noir variety is vinified on the yeast for 2 months, during which time it is poured over 3 times a week.

After the first fermentation, the second fermentation in the bottle follows the traditional method, lasting 80 months.

The organic cava at a glance

• Wine type: cava, sparkling wine, white
• Wine-growing region: Penedes
• Bodega - Producer: Pares Balta
• Grape variety: Xarel lo and the classic Champagne varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
• First fermentation: in small temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks
• Second fermentation and aging: 80 months in bottle
• Bottle filling: Pares Balta
• Quantity: 0.75L
• Shelf life: 10 years
• Analysis: Alcohol at 12%,
• Allergens: Contains sulphites
• Vegan
• Certified ES-ECO-019-CT
• We source this biodynamic cava directly from Pares Balta, Masia Can Balta, S/N, 08796 Pacs del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain

For information and photos from Pares Balta

Pares Balta CAVA BRUT, biodynamic sparkling wine, white, from € 13.60

The Pares Balta CAVA BRUT is a young fresh and lively sparkling wine - sparkling wine in classic  Bottle fermentation as champagne is made at Pares Balta winery from biodynamically grown grapes. In Germany it would be called a Winzersekt. Considering the effort required for it, its price is very moderate.

Biodynamic Cava - Profile

• Colour: pale yellow with bright yellow reflections
• Nose: delicate aromas of fresh pears and apples with a hint of yeast, as you sometimes notice in a yeast-baked product that is still warm. added.
• Mouth: Fresh and lively on the palate, with fruity notes dominating. Light and supple, with a pleasant finish.
  This cava was made from the three traditional Penedès varieties: Parellada, Macabeu and Xarel·lo. The Parellada from the highest mountains in the region provides the freshness, the Macabeu for the fruit and the Xarel lo for the body. The three varieties complement each other and create a perfect synergy of aromas and freshness.
• Drinking recommendation: Serve this cava at 6-7° C.

Biodynamic Cava Brut - Preparation, Pares Balta, sparkling wine, white

The grapes are harvested manually and gently pressed as soon as they arrive at the winery. Spontaneous fermentation begins immediately afterwards in stainless steel tanks. It lasts 14 days at a temperature of 16°C.

The second fermentation is carried out in bottles like champagne and lasts at least 12 months.

The Biodynamic Cava at a glance

• Wine type: cava, sparkling wine, white
• Wine-growing region: Penedes
• Bodega - Producer: Pares Balta
• Grape variety: Parellada, Macabeu and Xarel lo.
• First fermentation: in small temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks
• Second fermentation and aging: 12 months in bottle
• Bottle filling: Pares Balta
• Quantity: 0.75L
• Drinking recommendation: now up to 5 years from delivery
• Analysis: alcohol in 11.5%,
• Allergens: Contains sulphites
• Vegan
• Certified ES-ECO-019-CT
• Member of the Demeter Association
• We source this biodynamic cava directly from Pares Balta, Masia Can Balta, S/N, 08796 Pacs del Penedès, Barcelona, Spain

For information and photos from Pares Balta