L'Infinit Brut Nature 2021

More fruit-forward than one might expect from this house: small wild raspberry, white strawberry and redcurrant define the first impression. Behind them lie maritime associations of sea spray, fresh seaweed and ocean air, along with damp herbs, lemon thyme, lemon balm and a hint of mint. The lees remain finely integrated, showing as salt dough and butter biscuit. Everything stays balanced, calm and precise.

Recaredo farms 50 hectares of its own vineyards on the right bank of the Bitlles river in Penedès, on the hilly coster del Bitlles. The soil is distinctly calcareous, immediately evident from the white stones between the vine rows. The 2021 vintage here was not cool but dry and low in rainfall. The drought noticeably reduced yield without concentrating the wine through heat, resulting in an expressive vintage character.

Xarel·lo and Garnatxa Negra, 36 months of ageing on the lees. This batch was disgorged on 17 March 2025, by hand and without cold shock: the cellar master removes the lees deposit solely through skilled movement of the bottle. The estate uses natural cork for the entire bottle fermentation. It is bottled as Brut Nature, meaning with no dosage whatsoever.

The acid structure is moderate and precisely integrated, lending lightness and composure. Little richness, but clean freshness, a certain austerity and a purist line, carried by minerality and spice. The wine stays quiet and focused without losing its origin or depth. On the finish, a fine nuttiness merges with fruit and maritime notes, the red berry echoes returning subtly.

Recaredo has bottled exclusively Brut Nature since 1924. Ton Mata, grandson of the founder, farms the vineyards biodynamically and in 2019 was among the founders of Corpinnat, whose rules require estate-grown grapes, hand harvesting, native grape varieties and at least 18 months of lees ageing.