Alta Alella - Mirgin Reserva Brut Nature 2021
Located north of Barcelona, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Serralada de Marina natural park, the Alta Alella estate is one of the emblematic producers in the Alella area, Catalonia. Founded in the 1990s by Josep Maria Pujol-Busquets and Cristina Guillén, this family vineyard quickly distinguished itself by its early commitment to organic viticulture and its desire to express the Mediterranean identity of its terroirs. The vines are planted on hillsides close to the sea, where sandy-granitic soils locally called "sauló" dominate, known for bringing finesse and tension to the wines. The entire estate is managed according to certified organic practices and the harvest is done manually to preserve the quality of the grapes. In this maritime environment that tempers the Catalan climate, Alta Alella produces cavas that seek to combine freshness, precision, and expression of the terroir. The Mirgin Reserva Brut Nature cuvée fits into this approach, offering a sparkling wine that highlights the purity of the fruit and the long maturation on lees. It also reflects the estate's desire to produce identity-driven cavas capable of competing with the great traditional method sparkling wines.
The Mirgin Reserva Brut Nature 2021 is made under the D.O. Cava appellation from the traditional cava grape varieties: Xarel·lo, Macabeu, and Parellada. The grapes come from vineyards located near the Mediterranean, where the maritime influence helps preserve the natural acidity of the berries. After a manual harvest, the grapes are gently pressed to extract the first press must, then each grape variety is vinified separately. The second fermentation takes place in the bottle according to the traditional method, followed by an extended aging on lees that generally exceeds thirty months. This maturation adds more aromatic complexity and texture to the cuvée. True to its style, the estate does not add any sugar at disgorgement, classifying this cava in the Brut Nature category. The wine is generally marketed with the disgorgement date indicated, ensuring precise traceability of the aging and evolution of the wine.
On tasting, this cava reveals a precise nose dominated by aromas of fresh citrus, green apple, and pear, complemented by notes of almond and lightly toasted bread from the lees aging. The mousse develops with a regular effervescence that supports the natural liveliness of the wine. On the palate, the absence of dosage highlights a straight and saline structure, where acidity and minerality contribute to the sensation of freshness. The aromas of white fruits blend with nuances of brioche and dried fruits, giving the wine a texture that is both taut and slightly creamy. The finish stretches out on notes of citrus and wet stone that recall the influence of the granitic soils and the maritime climate. This dry and precise style pairs particularly well with seafood, oysters, grilled fish, or Mediterranean preparations such as tuna tartare or sushi. Its structure and liveliness also allow it to maintain good balance after a few years of aging.
Grape varieties: Xarel·lo, Macabeu, Parellada
Grape varieties: Xarel·lo (Pansa Blanca), Macabeo, Parellada
