2008 Can Mayol Loxarel "Refugi" Reserva Brut Nature Penedes

Can Mayol, which bottles under the trademarked name "Loxarel," is a winery that has been farming organically for more than a decade. The Mitjan family, owners of Can Mayol, also employ some biodynamic treatments. They keep animals, including chickens, a horse and a donkey named Garnatxa. While the focus is on "Brut Nature" (no dosage added) Cava production, they also produce some very interesting still wines as well. (We will likely bring a few of these in for spring/summer…) In their chalky, high altitude vineyards (above 2,400 feet for their highest vines, among the highest in the Penedès D.O.), Xarel-lo, Macabeo, Parellada, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive and pick up an incredible minerality, which makes these wines wonderfully distinctive and very exciting to drink. The tiny portion of Chardonnay that goes into this blend of Xarel-lo and Parellada is fermented and aged in 300-liter used oak barrels, adding some dimension and subtle toast to this very clean, mineral, bone dry expression of Cava. This is classy stuff. (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish wine buyer)