Alta Alella Laieta Opus Paraje Qualificat Vallcirera Brut Nature 2021
Alta Alella Laieta Opus Paraje Qualificat Vallcirera Brut Nature 2021 is a dry, light-bodied sparkling from Xarel·lo, Chardonnay (Catalonia, Spain), in the sparkling style. Acidity is fresh; oak influence is none. Good with aperitif, oysters, fish and chips, eggs. Drink now or within 10 years (to about 2031). No need to decant. Organic farming is mentioned by the merchant. Critic score 96/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mestres Elena 2021 Mestres · Penedès | £35.00 | |||
| Parés Baltà, Historic Brut Nature, Cava 2018 Parés Baltà · Penedès | £23.00 | |||
| Raventos De Nit Rose 2024 Raventos i Blanc · Alella | £36.00 | |||
| Parés Baltà, Paco Molina Cava Brut, Nv Parés Baltà · Penedès | £13.90 |
Drink it now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant. Alta Alella is a family-run Spanish winery located not far from Barcelona, bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It was founded in 1991 by the Pujol-Busquets family with 2 hectares of vineyards, and today the land has increased to approximately 90 hectares. This extraordinary Cava is a blend of Pansa Blanca (Xarel-lo) and Chardonnay grapes, selected and hand-harvested from the qualified Vallcirera vineyard in the Serra de Mar area of Alella. Here, the vines, grown organically, enjoy a unique terroir, characterized by sandy soils and influenced by the proximity to the sea. After harvest and vinification, the finished wine ages on the lees for three years. In the glass, the wine reveals a golden color shimmering with fine bubbles. Its aromatic profile is broad and elegant, with floral notes of ripe citrus, apple, and pear, followed by mineral and dried fruit aromas. On the palate, it is soft, round, and generous, with good structure and a mineral character. It has lively acidity and a creamy texture. The finish is long, balanced, and recalls hints of savory flavors. It is a very versatile wine when paired with food. It pairs well with sushi and Iberian ham, paella, and fried appetizers, vegetable tempura, and seafood risotto.