2008 Ancestral Xarel-lo Brut Penedes

Working in an area of the Penedes called the Garraf, amidst beautiful national park land just a few kilometers from the Mediterranean, Enric Bartra and Rafael Sala have made a lovely, extremely convincing no dosage sparkler from 100% xarel-lo grapes. Farmed organically for 16 years, this tiny vineyard of "en vaso" trained xarel-lo is carefully tended, with naturally growing cover crops between rows and a pack of Rafael's beloved wild dogs to ward off any grape loving animals! Initially fermented in chestnut barrels, the wine is racked into bottles just before it has fermented to complete dryness; this then allows for a completely natural secondary fermentation in bottle. After a few years on the lees, Ancestral is disgorged and topped off with dry wine - no dosage. On the palate, this wine is rich and round, with pure, penetrating fruit flavors complemented by notes of challah dough and a subtle nuttiness. This is a serious sparkler that retains its Penedes personality, while competing with the very best sparkling wine out there. A new favorite. (Joe Manekin, K&L Spanish wine buyer)