2007 Can Mayol Loxarel Gran Reserva Familiar 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. Featuring some of the property's oldest, most prized parcels of Xarel-lo grapes, the gran reserva sees 42 months on its lees. This is not the fanciest of their bottlings (we will likely bring in a version that spends 109 months on its lees at some point!) but is arguably their most drinkable, effortless and elegant expression. This is very impressive Cava that I can honestly say gives a lot of Champagne at twice the price a real run for its money. (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish wine buyer)