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Apr 13, 2015
The smallest Denominaciones de Origin (DO) in Spain is situated right outside of Barcelona. It is a 280-hectare region called Alella and is home to only eight producers.
One of those producers is Alta Alella Privat. Alta Alella is the closest winery of the eight to Barcelona, a mere 15 minute drive out of the city.
Alella is famous for it's sauló soils - white granite-based with low limestone and low organic matter, which produce wines with great acidity. The sparkling wines from here are notably different (racier with obvious mineral characters) than those cavas of the nearby Penedes region.
Alta Alella is a family owned winery and the organic wines from here have become very famous in Spain. Josep Maria Pujol-Basquets established the estate in 1991 after an extensive career of making sparkling wines in Europe. It was at that time he and his wife Cristina Guillen acquired the 19th century estate just two kilometers from the Mediterranean. Following in her father's footsteps, Mireia Pujol-Busquets is taking charge of a new project, pioneering the development of a line of sulfite-free (natural) wines, achieved by specific vineyard management.
The winery currently produces five labels (Gran Reserva sparkling wines, Reserva sparkling wines, Sauló, Alella and X-Trem) with more than 20 wines in total.
We're fortunate to see some of these wines coming soon to British Columbia (some are already available in other regions) from the Alella, Gran Reserva and Reserva labels.
Traditional Method Sparkling
Alta Alella 'Privat' Reserva Brut Nature 2012 - Brut Nature refers to no dosage, this is an entirely dry sparkling. Like all three of the sparkling AA wines, it is very focused. Mineral, crunchy white fruits, citrus and bready/yeasty notes with a floral core. Fine textural and mineral component on the palate with pristine fruit and racy acidity. Very unique. Made from classic cava varieties, Pansa Blanca (AKA Xarel-lo), Macabeo and Parallada.
$20+ private wine stores
Alta Alella 'Privat' Reserva Brut Nature Rosé, 2012 - Pale pink in colour with aromas of tangy red fruits such as raspberry, cranberry and cherry with some fine spice and orange peel flavours in the mouth. Again, bone dry with a very mineral character and vibrant acidity. Made from 100% Mattaro (AKA Monastrell, AKA Mourvedre).
$20+ private wine stores
Alta Alella 'Laietà' Gran Reserva, 2011 This wine spent 30 months on the lees and is made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pansa Blanca (AKA Xarelo-lo). More overt fruity aromatics here; stone fruits, exotic citrus, floral and honey with a leesy and nutty brioche palate. Incredible complexity and focus, it seems to levitate on your palate. Fantastic. Custom designed, tall Italian glass bottle (above right).
$30+ private wine stores
Table Wines
Alella AA Pansa Blanca, 2014 - Pansa Blanca is known by Xarel-lo in Penedes/Cava. Made in its original still style, this is such a pretty wine. Expect loads of floral, and citrus with melon, apricots, banana and honey. Very expressive in the mouth with a kiss of sweetness to make the fruit pop - a slightly saline finish adds complexity and a savoury component. Extremely drinkable and refreshing. Buy-by-the-case.
$15+ private wine stores
Alella AA Garnatxa, 2014 - Like its Pansa Blanca sibling, this wine is entirely quaffable. Made from Garnacha (AKA Garnatxa, AKA Grenache), it is raspberries and purple berries, roses and violets with pipe tobacco and fine spices. Aromatic and fruity, it loves a slight chill and a patio. Very good with spicier cuisines or tapas. Delightful. Buy-by-the-case.
$15+ private wine stores
~Daenna Van Mulligen
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