This is organic (including vegan) quality Cava from the small producer, Castell de Vilarnau, which was created in 1948 but since 1982 has been part of the González Byass group.
Starting from 15 hectares of Sant Sadurní de Anoia’s highest fields and a new winery, Finca Can Petit with the pricelessly beautiful Montserrat mountains as a backdrop, the experienced chief oenologist, Damià Deàs Gual, creates an impressive series of cavas. The wines show balanced maturity in the grape material and the winemaker’s deep understanding of the grapes’ mutual qualities. Too many sparkling non-dosage wines appear unnecessarily flimsy; unnatural torment to ascetic dryness, which has very few adherents. Vilarnau Brut Nature Vintage 2020 manages to maintain the difficult balance between a dry profile and a physiologically ripe fruit.
The grape blend is dominated by macabeo, while parellada and chardonnay elegantly fill the supporting roles. After vinification, which takes place without dosage, the cava is stored for approx. 24 months before release; an expensive measure that, however, rewards the patient with complexity and fine bubbles.
Aromatically, there are elements of green apples, ripe pear and toasted aging aromas in a style that has elegant body and fine, persistent bubbles. There is an airy purity to the wine’s expression that makes you want the next glass, which is not a priceless pleasure compared to more prestigious French versions. Here, quite simply, is a tremendously advantageous ratio between price and quality, which makes this drink more than just a party drink.
Enjoy in good company with simple, tasty dishes with fish, shellfish and molluscs, with sushi, sashimi, tapas or fish meatballs with remoulade and carrot salad.
Enjoyed in mature champagne glasses or a glass of white wine at a temperature of 7-10°.
Vilarnau is the first winery in Penedès to receive the WINERY FOR cl.IMATE PROTECTION award
