Oriol Rossell Brut Nature 2021

Oriol Rossell Winery, located in the Penedès region of Catalonia, Spain, is a family-owned estate that has been in operation since the early 1970s. The estate spans 70 hectares and is centered around the historic Cal Cassanyes manor house from the 17th century. This winery combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern practices to produce high-quality wines and cavas.

The vineyards benefit from the Mediterranean climate, which provides ideal conditions for grape growing along with the diverse calcareous soils. The primary grape varieties grown include Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada for white wines and Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah for red wines. The average age of the vines is over 50 years, contributing to the depth and complexity of the wines.

Oriol Rossell strongly emphasizes ecological practices. All its vineyards are certified by the Catalan Council of Organic Agricultural Production. The vineyards' proximity to the winery allows for immediate processing of the hand-picked grapes, ensuring the highest quality.

The winery offers various experiences for visitors, including tours of the vineyards and the cellar and tastings of its wines and cavas. These tours often include visits to special areas of the estate not usually open to the public, such as the farmhouse's ground floor and the Casteller sanctuary.

Penedès, located west of Barcelona in Catalunya, Spain, is a key player in the natural wine world. Recognized as Catalunya's most vital wine district, Penedès boasts the prestigious DO (Denominación de Origen) status. This region is globally celebrated for producing outstanding Cava sparkling wines crafted using the traditional Champenoise method.

In Penedès, the Mediterranean climate shapes the terroir, featuring mild winters and hot summers. The region is divided into three subregions: Baix Penedès (Low Penedès), Medio Penedès (Middle Penedès), and Alt Penedès (High Penedès). Each area presents unique climatic variations influenced by factors like altitude and proximity to the coast. The soil composition in Penedès is diverse and predominantly calcareous, but it also includes sandy and clayey varieties.

The red wines of Penedès are typically blends of local grape varieties. The main red grape, Tempranillo, is complemented by Garnacha (Garnatxa), Monastrell, and Carinena. Penedès winemakers have innovatively blended these native varietals with international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, producing increasingly notable results.

As for white wines, Penedès is expanding its repertoire beyond its famous Cava. Traditional native varietals like Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada, typically used in Cava production, are now also being crafted into delightful still wines. The introduction of Chardonnay, both in Cava blends and as a standalone varietal for still wines, is a growing trend in the region, adding a new dimension to Penedès's natural wine offerings.