Costador Metamorphika Xarel-lo Orange 2022

Costador is a natural wine producer based in Catalonia, Spain, known for crafting artisanal wines that embody the essence of the region's diverse terroirs. The winery is situated in the Conca de Barberà region, where the Mediterranean climate and high-altitude vineyards (ranging from 400 to 800 meters above sea level) create ideal conditions for cultivating grape vines.

Costador is committed to organic and biodynamic farming practices, prioritizing soil health and biodiversity. Their approach respects the natural balance of the vineyards, avoiding synthetic chemicals and embracing sustainable methods to produce grapes of exceptional quality. The winemaking process at Costador is guided by minimal intervention. The winery employs spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts and avoids additives like sulfur whenever possible. Many of their wines are aged in clay amphorae, which allows for gentle micro-oxygenation and enhances the purity and authenticity of the final product. The result is a lineup of wines that are unfiltered, unfined, and true expressions of their origin.

Costador specializes in reviving indigenous grape varieties such as Xarel·lo, Sumoll, and Garnacha, as well as international varieties. These grapes are vinified into various styles, including whites, reds, rosés, and orange wines, showcasing the versatility and depth of Catalonia’s viticultural heritage. One of Costador’s most celebrated collections is the Metamorphika series, featuring wines made with extended skin contact and aged in amphorae. This series highlights the potential of native varietals and the influence of traditional winemaking methods, offering complex and vibrant wines with unique textures and flavors.

Costador has garnered international acclaim for its dedication to sustainability, innovation, and the authenticity of its wines. Winemaker and founder Joan Franquet has become a prominent figure in the natural wine movement.

Penedès is a sub-region located west of Barcelona, in Catalunya, Spain. Penedès is Catalunya’s most important wine district and carries the status of DO, Denominación de Origen. The region is famous worldwide for its main product: the excellent Cava sparkling wine – made with the Champenoise method.

Penedès has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The three subregions in which it can be divided, Baix Penedès, Medio Penedès, and Alt Penedès (where Azimut is located) – respectively low, middle, high Penedès, - have slightly different climates due primarily to altitude and distance from the coast. Soils range from calcareous, the prevalent formation, to sandy and clayey.

Red wines are usually blends of native varietals such as Tempranillo, Penedès main red grape varietal, Garnacha (Garnatxa), Monastrell, and Carinena. In recent years, a handful of producers have been experimenting with international varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with good results.

White still wines, in other words, non-Cava white wines, are made from the same native varietals used for Catalunya’s flagship sparkler, Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada. Only recently Chardonnay has been used both in Cava blends and as a still wine, a trend that’s gaining popularity.