Relats de Viticultors Brut Nature 2020

The Relats de Viticultors Brut Nature 2020 is a sparkling wine from Penedès that draws its impact not from fruit, but from salt, stone and acidity. Chalk and limestone sit uncompromisingly at its center, while the fruit remains deliberately in the background. A sparkling wine of great quality, yet suited for every day.

Recaredo farms 50 hectares of its own vineyards biodynamically, on the right bank of the Bitlles river in the hilly landscape of the coster del Bitlles. The soil is markedly calcareous; the white stones between the rows of vines make this immediately apparent. For the Relats, the estate's own grapes are supplemented by those of partner growers in Penedès who share the same fundamental philosophy in viticulture and winemaking. Low yields on these dry sites produce base wines of a stark, Mediterranean character.

The cuvée is based on the three classic varieties Xarel·lo, Macabeu and Parellada. It ages 18 months on the lees and is bottled as Brut Nature, meaning without any dosage. Disgorgement is done by hand, without freezing, and for the entire bottle fermentation the house insists on natural cork.

A seamless continuation of the nose: palpable pressure, an acidity that fairly cuts across the palate, along with chopped almond, fresh yeast and a fine herbal note of lemon thyme and lemon balm. Stony, austere, with plenty of structure and precision, yet light and highly drinkable. The finish fades saline, calm and long.

Since 1924, Recaredo has produced exclusively Brut Nature: what's in the bottle comes solely from the grape and from time. At 11.0% vol., the wine remains light-footed without losing tension.