Color and Bubbles

Magnum Nuria Muscat of Alexandria White 2017,

Clos Lentiscus

In Penedès (Catalonia), in Sitges, in the heart of the Garraf Natural Park, Manel Avinyo and his brother Joan have taken over the family estate, which Manel has renamed Clos Lentiscus. Even though Barcelona is only a half-hour drive away, the beauty of the landscape is striking and the immersion in nature is total: Mediterranean forests rub shoulders with Catalan scrubland (thyme, rosemary, rockrose, mastic tree which gave its name to the estate, etc.). The Penedès region also has a long winemaking history. Nestled in its gentle hills is Clos Lentiscus, in the Penedés appellation, on twenty hectares of sandy and clay-limestone soils facing due south at an altitude of 225 meters. According to historical documents, the family of Manel and Joan Avinyo has been established there since at least the 14th century. For a long time, the grapes were sold to local cooperatives, but since the two brothers took over the estate, organic and biodynamic farming has replaced conventional practices, the entire harvest goes into the house vintages, and organic and biodynamic practices have allowed this beautiful property to reconnect with its former prestige: in the 19th century, its wines were sold in France and as far away as the Americas. Very quickly, Manel received a nickname: The Bubbleman, a tribute to his talent for vinifying cavas, these sparkling whites characteristic of the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, from native varieties for which Catalonia holds the secret: sumoll, ull de llebre, xarel·lo, malvasia of Sitges, cartoixà vermell, cariñena (carignan), accompanied by tempranillo and muscat of Alexandria. The vines are old, sometimes centuries old. No synthetic additives are used in the vineyard, and operations such as planting, pruning, de-budding and harvesting are dictated by the lunar phases. Pollination is facilitated by the presence of beehives; sheep contribute to fertilization and control of the plant cover. Ringo, the white horse, is responsible for working the soil.

Purity, elegance and a crisp minerality due to limestone characterize the productions of Clos Lentiscus. The note of controlled oxidation, when it is felt, does not dominate the tasting and the wines are never deviant. Cavas are known for being exuberant, but those of Clos Lentiscus never have more than two grams of residual sugar per liter. The estate also produces still wines, red, white and rosé.

Núria is the name of Manel's daughter, who assisted her father in the creation of this beautiful aperitif wine that will go wonderfully with all Mediterranean cuisines, with the added pleasure and conviviality that the magnum format allows. 100% Muscat of Alexandria, a sweet, large-berry grape, this is a fresh and aromatic sparkling white wine from direct pressing. The first fermentation using indigenous yeasts takes place in 55-liter demijohns and the second fermentation takes place in bottles. Twenty-four months of aging on fine lees and manual disgorgement.

I'm Natural Don't Panic #7 Red 2018

Bodegas Coruña del Conde
Julien López's I'm Natural, Don't Panic range consists of macerated wines. This 100% Tempranillo red is powerful, dense, and generous, but not lacking in freshness, the result of a high-altitude climate that subjects the vines to significant temperature variations. A lovely bouquet of red and black fruits. Decanting will allow it to express its full opulence. For grilled meats, roast lamb, grilled octopus, stews, cocido.
Ideally a wine to be decanted.
A natural wine with no added sulfites.

Sans Pression Sparkling White 2024,

Domaine Bois Moisset

In the tradition of Gaillac sparkling wines, Domaine Bois Moisset, certified organic (Eurofeuille), produces a fresh and elegant natural sparkling wine. Sans Pression 2024, made from local Mauzac and Len de l’Œil grape varieties, expresses all the authenticity of the Occitan terroir, with a natural and respectful approach.

A very fine Pet' Nat'

This wine is produced using the ancestral method, with direct pressing of the grapes before spontaneous fermentation. After three weeks of aging in wooden vats, the fermentation takes place naturally, without the addition of yeast or sulfites. The result is a fine, refreshing bubble, offering beautiful aromatic purity and thirst-quenching acidity.

An expressive nose and an invigorating palate

On the nose, Sans Pression reveals lively notes of citrus and fresh apple, the signature of Mauzac and Len de l’Œil. On the palate, the balance is perfect between chiseled acidity and delicate bubbles, bringing lightness and dynamism. The long, airy finish invites conviviality.

Tasting moments

Served chilled, between 8°C and 10°C, this organic natural sparkling wine is the ideal ally for a festive aperitif or a dinner with friends. Its liveliness also makes it an excellent companion for light appetizers, fresh cheeses or seafood. With an aging potential of 5 years, it will retain its brightness and freshness.

Bain de Bulles Artemus Ka White 2021,

Fréderic Cossard

Sparkling, flavorful, fresh, dry, but without abandoning the opulent side of its grape variety... In Frédéric Cossard's "Bain de Bulles" series, bringing together excellent sparkling wines from the négociant family, we ask for Artemus Ka. But who exactly is it? The answer is obvious: arte is art, and mus ka is... muscat, the base grape variety of this beautiful natural sparkling wine. For parties, large aperitifs, joyful meals and all kinds of excesses.

To find out more
Through his entirely natural work, Frédéric Cossard gives voice to the terroirs and Burgundy wines, undeformed by agricultural chemicals. Having observed, during his years of trading, the existence of harmful viticultural practices, the winemaker used this counter-example to practice unadulterated viticulture. Thus, he produces vintages of purity and elegance without artifice that are among the most sought-after in Burgundy. Frédéric worked for some time as a wine broker before creating the domaine de Chassorney with his partner Laure in 1996: initially a few ares of vines in Saint-Romain, Auxey-Duresses and Savigny-lès-Beaune, and currently ten hectares spread across the Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pommard, Volnay, Bourgogne-Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune and Bourgogne appellations. In 2006, he created his own wine trading house and buys organic grapes to vinify, according to his style and convictions, great vintages such as Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, Pommard, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée and several Beaujolais crus. The practice is not limited to Burgundy, as vintages are made from grapes purchased in the Jura, Languedoc, and elsewhere. At his farm, the soil and vines are worked as naturally as possible: regular horse-drawn ploughing, no addition of chemical fertilizers or weedkillers. The vines are tended according to biodynamic principles: homeopathic treatments based on essential oils, copper, and sulfur in minimal doses. The harvest is entirely manual, carried out at full maturity, at the end of October. Red or white, classic Burgundies or more atypical or less "regional" bottles, Frédéric's vintages are rare and sought-after wines, which sometimes require waiting.

Je t'aime moi non plus Sparkling Rosé 2024,

La Tribu Alonso

A natural sparkling wine that plays with emotions, "Je t'aime moi non plus" is a sparkling rosé by La Tribu Alonso, designed as a tribute to the sensuality and spontaneity of Gamay. Coming from a sunny granite terroir in Beaujolais, this festive and delicately fruity wine is produced using the ancestral method, offering a fine and delicious bubble, both fresh and velvety.

A seductive and airy Pet' Nat’

Made from three Gamay varieties (Vialla, Troye and Gascon), this wine seduces with its finesse and low alcohol content (8.5%), making it a perfect ally for moments of sharing without heaviness. The ancestral method, which consists of bottling the juice during fermentation, gives it a natural effervescence and a beautiful liveliness on the palate.

A delicate and captivating bouquet

Upon opening, the nose reveals a delicious blend of fresh raspberry, bright citrus fruits and juicy pear, with a slightly floral touch. On the palate, the velvety texture envelops the palate while retaining a refreshing acidity that perfectly balances its fruity generosity.

An ideal companion for an aperitif

With its fine bubbles and vibrant freshness, "Je t’aime moi non plus" is the perfect companion for convivial moments. Served between 10 and 12°C, it can be enjoyed as an aperitif, but also pairs wonderfully with light dishes such as tapas, seafood, or a strawberry and basil salad. Enjoy now or keep for up to 5 years to explore its evolution.

L'air de Rien Sparkling Rosé 2020

Jérome Lambert
Despite its name, L'Air de rien is not lacking in air, as it has a healthy dose of bubbles, effervescence, pleasure, and color. This is a sparkling natural rosé with a beautiful light color, Montmorency cherry, crushed strawberry. Intensely refreshing with delicate mineral aromas and quite a few small red fruits, ennobled by a gentle bitterness that adds an extra dimension to this beautiful wine with sweet orange peel on the finish. This lovely and tender pet'nat' comes from a hand-harvested Gamay grape growing on schist and clay-limestone soils. The harvest is processed by direct pressing and the wine is aged on lees before disgorging.

To find out more
On his four-hectare estate, entirely organic and planted with Chenin, Grolleau, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, Jérôme is as much a winemaker as he is a farmer: he raises chickens, pigs, sheep and takes this mixed crop-livestock activity very seriously, coupled with the production of typical Anjou charcuterie. His Loire Eden, in fact, is located in the south of Anjou, in Rablay-sur-Layon. The son of a winemaker, as a child, he already enjoyed picking grapes, crushing them and letting them ferment. The desire to make wine has never left him, in fact: in 2003, he got his hands dirty, took part in pruning the vines at Philippe Cesbron's and took the opportunity to try his hand at some grapes donated by local winegrowers. The following year, his adventure really began with twenty ares of vines, but although his estate grew year by year, it would not reach one hectare for another fifteen years. In 2003, he discovered that adding sulfite was detrimental to the wines: he never added more and was completely satisfied with the result, without making too much noise about it around him. It was only a little later that he learned about the existence of natural wines and understood that he was not alone. All his vintages since then have been without added sulfur, and are nonetheless straightforward, drinkable and flawless. For him, even the wood of the barrels is an additive; This shows the attention he pays to the naturalness and truth of the vine.

Funambule Sparkling White 2019,

Château Lafitte
A 100% natural sparkling wine made from Gros Manseng, straight from the extraordinary Jurançon vineyard, Funambule holds its own. The nose is immediately captivated by a great aromatic freshness that continues on the palate with euphoric notes of lemon and mandarin. A perfect balance of solidity and delicacy, it accompanies any meal from aperitif to dessert.

Natural wine with no added sulfites.

Pairs with: Charcuterie, Hard cheeses

Aubunite Sparkling Red 2016

La Sorga
A blend of 80% Aubunite and about 20% Aramon, with a little Auvergne Gamay and Carignan, grape varieties sourced mostly from the limestone sands around Carcassonne and the rest from the basalt soils of Auvergne. The Aubunite macerates in whole bunches; the other grape varieties are destemmed. The wine is bottled by hand, and disgorgement is performed by Antony himself. Its notes of red fruits and spices will complement an aperitif and will not disappoint a chocolate mousse. Aging potential: five years.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.

Goes with: Desserts, Aperitif

Jour de Fête Sparkling Rosé 2019

Marie and Vincent Tricot

You pour it, pour it, pour it again, and you're amazed to have emptied the bottle. This organic, natural sparkling rosé wine doesn't bear this name for nothing. Made using the ancestral method (bottling during fermentation, which completes in the container), Jour de Fête is a seductive natural sparkling wine made from Gamay d'Auvergne that doesn't lend itself to melancholy. It displays a deep, slightly cloudy strawberry-raspberry color that already invites indulgence. On the nose, cherry, raspberry, and the promise of a vinous and concentrated sparkling wine, not just a gurgling experience. It can be described as both gurgling and complex.

The cherry, raspberry, redcurrant and strawberry are confirmed on the palate with a great deal of sweetness and indulgence, a little sugar reminiscent of the raspberry fruit paste from Auvergne, and the slight bitterness of the volcanic soil Gamay in the background. The effervescence is moderate, we also perceive citrus notes (orange, mandarin) and the floral notes are then revealed with a touch of violet. The roundness is pleasant, the freshness is exceptional. Made from Gamays grown on hillsides on volcanic and clay-limestone soils, Jour de fête is truly exceptional and as joyful and festive as its label promises.

To find out more

Among the generation of Auvergne winemakers who, at the dawn of the 21st century, are reviving the vineyards of this beautiful volcanic province of the Massif Central from the ashes using organic and natural methods, Marie and Vincent Tricot are pioneers, and their name is well known to those who have long loved natural wine. After a colorful winemaking journey that took them from Beaujolais to Chile and from Chile to Costières-de-Nîmes, they landed in Auvergne, at the foot of the Puy de Dôme, in the commune of Orcet where they took over Claude Prugnard's vineyard, a land that has not seen the slightest chemical input for thirty years. The estate is located on a hillside on the left bank of the Allier River, in a volcanic clay-limestone area near the vineyards of Châteaugay, Chanturgue, and Corent. They acquired it in 2003 and have since been making wines from Auvergne Gamay, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, with a little Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat. These rare and sought-after wines are mainly sold directly. They have a straightforward, flamboyant profile and express themselves with as much character as simplicity.

XL Ancestral Sparkling White 2021

Partida Creus
"With its delicious, straightforward, saline acidity and fine, festive bubbles, this smoky, deep, full-bodied, mineral, and explosive sparkling wine is a true invitation to celebrate. The nose offers aromas of ripe white fruits—apple, pear, white peach—followed by mineral notes on the palate that frame yeasty touches reminiscent of buttery pastries and fresh bread. Very elegant, XL Xarel·lo Ancestral is a highly drinkable and enjoyable Vino de Mesa (table wine). Made from the indigenous Catalan Xarel·lo grape variety, harvested by hand and directly pressed, it is fermented in stainless steel vats using indigenous yeasts and finishes fermenting in bottles on fine lees for a minimum of ten months, without the slightest addition of sulfites.

Find out more

Partida Creus is an important estate, both from a winemaking and historical perspective – we're talking about the history of the vine in Catalonia. Massimo Marchiori and Antonella Gerosa, originally from Piedmont – and even from the Langhe region, where wine is well-known – first pursued careers as architects in Barcelona. But the wine bug tickled them, and soon they abandoned the big city and its sophistication for the vineyards of southern Catalonia, in Bonastre in Baix-Penedés. There they found a quantity of abandoned vineyards planted with a dizzying diversity of traditional Catalan grape varieties, which they passionately revived to save these varieties – and their wines – from oblivion. For them, it's not just a matter of saving heritage, no: it's a matter of taste and nature. Of wines nature, which they will continue to do from now on on these sandy, poor, clay-limestone or clay-gravel soils, poor and poorly irrigated, where the vines suffer to give their best juice. Massimo and Antonella practice organic, biodynamic viticulture, entirely manual and natural in order to give new life to these wines. Vinyater, sumoll, garrut, monastrell, ull de perdiu, ull de llebre, sumoll, queixal de llop, cariñena, trepat, subirat parent, maccabeu, parellada, pansé, vinel·lo, bobal, cartoixà vermell or xarel·lo: it is a true conservatory of native Catalan grape varieties that Partida Creus cares for. There is also moscatel, grenache, merlot and cabernet (among others). Few wineries can boast of cultivating so many different grape varieties. The wines reflect this diversity, with winemakers striving to convey the signature of the soil and the grape variety as best as possible: single-variety wines are common among them, alongside very rich blends, all in the styles dear to Catalonia: still wine, "ancestral" sparkling wine, and even vermouth. The bottles themselves are works of art: bare glass, simply marked with two large stenciled initials that indicate the vintage. The wines, fresh, vibrant, lush but always straight and impeccably juicy and fruity, breathe life. The arrival of a Partida Creus at the table always elicits cries of satisfaction.

Es d'aqui Cinsauriel Red 2017

Jean Louis Pinto

This 100% Cinsault, grown on schist soils near Saint-Chinian, is produced by fermentation with indigenous yeasts during twenty-eight days of whole-bunch maceration. Part of the wine is aged in steel vats. With a beautiful, vibrant ruby color, it offers a nose of pepper, rose, and strawberry, as well as notes of garrigue, candied black olive, and prune. Lively and powerful.

Magnum XL Xarel lo Ancestral Sparkling White 2014

Partida Creus
With a few years of maturation further reinforcing its character while smoothing out the nuances, this smoky, deep, full-bodied, mineral, and explosive sparkling wine is a true invitation to celebrate. The nose offers aromas of ripe white fruits—apple, pear, white peach—followed by mineral notes on the palate that frame yeasty touches reminiscent of buttery pastries and fresh bread. Beautiful, straightforward, saline acidity. Very elegant, XL Xarel lo Ancestral is highly drinkable and enjoyable. Made from the native Catalan grape variety xarel lo, harvested by hand and pressed directly, it is fermented in stainless steel vats using indigenous yeasts and finished fermenting in bottles on fine lees for a minimum of ten months, without the slightest addition of sulfites.

Find out more
Partida Creus is an important estate, both in terms of wine and history – we are talking here about the history of the vine in Catalonia. Massimo Marchiori and Antonella Gerosa, originally from Piedmont – and even from the Langhe region, where they know a lot about wine – first pursued careers as architects in Barcelona. But the wine bug bit them, and soon they abandoned the big city and its sophistication for the vineyards of southern Catalonia, in Bonastre in Baix-Penedés. There they find a quantity of abandoned vineyards planted with a dizzying diversity of traditional Catalan grape varieties that they passionately revive to save these varieties – and their wines – from oblivion. For them, it is not just a matter of heritage rescue, no: it is a matter of taste and nature. Of natural wines, which they will never stop making from now on on these sandy, poor, clay-limestone or clay-gravel soils, poor and poorly irrigated, where the vines suffer to give their best juice. Massimo and Antonella practice organic, biodynamic viticulture, entirely manual and natural in order to give new life to these wines. Vinyater, sumoll, garrut, monastrell, ull de perdiu, ull de llebre, sumoll, queixal de llop, cariñena, trepat, subirat parent, maccabeu, parellada, pansé, vinel·lo, bobal, cartoixà vermell or xarel·lo: Partida Creus is a veritable conservatory of native Catalan grape varieties. It also grows moscatel, grenache, merlot and cabernet (among others). Few wineries can boast growing so many different grape varieties. The wines reflect this diversity, with the winemakers striving to best convey the signature of the soil and the grape variety: single-variety wines are common among them, alongside extensive blends, all in the styles dear to Catalonia: still wine, "ancestral" sparkling wine, and even vermouth. The bottles themselves are works of art: bare glass, simply marked with two large stenciled initials that denote the vintage. The wines, fresh, vibrant, lush yet always straightforward and impeccably juicy and fruity, exude life. The arrival of a Partida Creus at the table always elicits cries of satisfaction.

Magnum VY Vinyater Ancestral Sparkling White 2014

Partida Creus
Lively and fresh, creamy and full-bodied on the palate, this is a superb natural sparkling wine made from Vinyater (a traditional Catalan grape variety) that should be enjoyed, especially now that it has aged a little and is developing all the richness of its fresh notes – white flowers, almonds, white fruits – and its magnificent length. It will shine as an aperitif, for celebrations, and at the table with seafood, grilled white meats, sweetbreads, or a beautiful financial vol-au-vent. Vinyater is harvested by hand; Alcoholic fermentation takes place on the skins and on indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats. The wine finishes its fermentation for ten months in bottles on fine lees.

Find out more
Partida Creus is an important estate, both from a winemaking and historical perspective – we are talking here about the history of the vine in Catalonia. Massimo Marchiori and Antonella Gerosa, originally from Piedmont – and even from the Langhe region, where they know a lot about wines – first pursued careers as architects in Barcelona. But the wine bug bit them, and soon they abandoned the big city and its sophistication for the vineyards of southern Catalonia, in Bonastre in Baix-Penedés. There they find a quantity of abandoned vineyards planted with a dizzying diversity of traditional Catalan grape varieties that they passionately revive to save these varieties – and their wines – from oblivion. For them, it is not just a matter of heritage rescue, no: it is a matter of taste and nature. Of natural wines, which they will never stop making from now on on these sandy, poor, clay-limestone or clay-gravel soils, poor and poorly irrigated, where the vines suffer to give their best juice. Massimo and Antonella practice organic, biodynamic viticulture, entirely manual and natural in order to give new life to these wines. Vinyater, sumoll, garrut, monastrell, ull de perdiu, ull de llebre, sumoll, queixal de llop, cariñena, trepat, subirat parent, maccabeu, parellada, pansé, vinel·lo, bobal, cartoixà vermell or xarel·lo: Partida Creus is a veritable conservatory of native Catalan grape varieties. It also grows moscatel, grenache, merlot and cabernet (among others). Few wineries can boast growing so many different grape varieties. The wines reflect this diversity, with the winemakers striving to best convey the signature of the soil and the grape variety: single-variety wines are common among them, alongside extensive blends, all in the styles dear to Catalonia: still wine, "ancestral" sparkling wine, and even vermouth. The bottles themselves are works of art: bare glass, simply marked with two large stenciled initials that denote the vintage. The wines, fresh, vibrant, lush yet always straightforward and impeccably juicy and fruity, exude life. The arrival of a Partida Creus at the table always elicits cries of satisfaction.

Magnum Les années folles Sparkling White 2010

Jean-Pierre Robinot

Natural wine with no added sulfites.

GRA Ancestral Sparkling Red 2013

Partida Creus

Conciliabulle Sparkling Rosé 2018

Es d'aqui Jean Louis Pinto
This beautiful sparkling natural rosé is a maceration of Muscat and Mourvèdre in separate vats, with the addition of pressed juice. A joyful, lively wine that will be wonderful as an aperitif.

Natural wine with no added sulfites.

Fetembulles 2011 (natural sparkling white)

Jean-Pierre Robinot

A delicately sparkling Chenin Blanc produced on the slopes of the Loir. A lively attack, fine bubbles that allow notes of sourdough, butter, brioche, walnuts, and marzipan to melt in the mouth, flirting nicely with a flinty minerality and some citrus notes. A natural sparkling wine that would almost be a champagne party!

YARD x Bois Moisset Cuvée (exclusive cuvée) Sparkling Rosé 2024

Domaine Bois Moisset

Terroir, plot size and grape varieties

Born from the dialogue between the ancestral terroir of Gaillac and a contemporary vision of winemaking, the YARD x Bois Moisset Sparkling Wine 2024 embodies a luminous encounter between tradition and freshness. The Bois Moisset estate, located in the heart of the Tarn vineyards, passionately cultivates the indigenous grape varieties Braucol and Duras. These varieties, typical of Southwest France, lend their unique character to this rosé: Braucol for its vivacity and aromas of red fruit, and Duras for its finesse and floral notes. The clay-limestone soil, bathed in sunshine and caressed by the breezes of the Tarn River, imparts a beautiful tension and a pure expression of fruit to the grapes.

Cultivation methods

Long committed to sustainable viticulture, Domaine Bois Moisset is certified organic. The vines are cultivated without synthetic inputs, in a living ecosystem where observation takes precedence over intervention. The soils are worked gently, fostering flourishing biodiversity and true harmony between the vine and its environment. This artisanal philosophy naturally extends to the cellar, where winemaking is as gentle as possible. The secondary fermentation, likely natural, gives this cuvée its sparkling, fine bubbles, without ever compromising the purity of the fruit.

Tasting & pairings

Slightly cloudy, by design, this 2024 sparkling rosé displays a delicate, salmon-pink hue. On the nose, an intoxicating bouquet of orange blossom and strawberry unfolds, reminiscent of the sweetness of a spring garden. On the palate, the bubbles are lively yet delicate, supporting a light and refreshing, almost carefree, texture. The overall impression is dry, remarkably drinkable, with a fruity touch that evokes homemade strawberry granita.

Ideal for pairing with lightly sweetened desserts, such as raspberry panna cotta or a delicate peach tart, this wine also proves remarkably well-suited to raw fish: sashimi, ceviche, or tartare harmonize beautifully with its floral freshness and fine acidity. A free-spirited, joyful, and genuine sparkling wine, perfect for spontaneous moments, summer aperitifs, and large gatherings where toasts are raised informally but with enthusiasm.

GT Garrut Ancestral Sparkling Red 2019

Partida Creus


With its liveliness and deep notes of black fruit, GT Garrut Ancestral recalls the best of Lambrusco, but it is something else entirely. It is an atypical but oh-so-delightful single-varietal wine that deserves a closer look at its original character. Its purplish color with an exuberant pink foam, already expressing notes of blackberry on the nose, is already quite a program. GT Garrut displays beautiful earthy, juicy, and intense qualities; it is very characteristic of black fruits, particularly blackberry (blackberry or tree blackberry). Beautiful notes of red fruits too, and a delicious acidity. It is made entirely from Garrut, also called Monastrell, a Catalan grape variety related to Mourvèdre. This bright, summer-perfect wine is hand-harvested. Entirely destemmed, the grapes macerate for three days with punching down every three hours, and alcoholic fermentation with indigenous yeasts takes place for four months in stainless steel vats, followed by twenty months in oak barrels. Unfiltered, unfined, no sulfites added. GT Garrut smells of family vines, artisanal, unconstrained wine.

Find out more
Partida Creus is an important estate, both in terms of winemaking and history—we're talking about the history of the vine in Catalonia. Massimo Marchiori and Antonella Gerosa, originally from Piedmont—and even from the Langhe region, where wine is well-versed—first pursued careers as architects in Barcelona. But the wine bug tickled them, and they soon abandoned the big city and its sophistication for the vineyards of southern Catalonia, in Bonastre in Baix-Penedés. There they found a number of abandoned vineyards planted with a dizzying diversity of traditional Catalan grape varieties, which they passionately revived to save these varieties—and their wines—from oblivion. For them, it's not just a matter of saving their heritage, no: it's a matter of taste and nature. Of natural wines, which they will never stop making from now on on these sandy, poor, clay-limestone or clay-gravel soils, poor and poorly irrigated, where the vines suffer to produce their best juice. Massimo and Antonella practice organic, biodynamic, entirely manual and natural viticulture in order to give new life to these wines. Vinyater, sumoll, garrut, monastrell, ull de perdiu, ull de llebre, sumoll, queixal de llop, cariñena, trepat, ceciat parent, maccabeu, parellada, pansé, vinel·lo, bobal, cartoixà vermell or xarel·lo: it is a true conservatory of the native Catalan grape varieties that Partida Creus cares for. There is also Moscatel, Grenache, Merlot and Cabernet (among others). Few wineries can boast of growing so many different grape varieties. The wines reflect this diversity, with winemakers striving to best convey the signature of the soil and the grape variety: single varietals are common among them, alongside very rich blends, all in the styles dear to Catalonia: still wine, "ancestral" sparkling wine, and even vermouth. The bottles themselves are works of art: bare glass, simply marked with two large stenciled initials that indicate the cuvée. The wines, fresh, vibrant, lush but always straightforward and impeccably juicy and fruity, breathe life. The arrival of a Partida Creus at the table always elicits cries of satisfaction.

Magnum VN Vinel.lo Ancestral Sparkling Red 2016

Partida Creus

VN, Vinel·lo Ancestral Red Sparkling Wine, is a natural sparkling wine resulting from a blend of indigenous grape varieties: Samsó (Cinsault), Garrut (Mourvèdre), Trepat, Ull de Perdiu, Queixal de Llop, Sumoll, and Grenache Noir, harvested from predominantly limestone soils. After crushing, the musts from the different grape varieties ferment one after the other and are gradually added, thus extending fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Fermentation completes in the bottle for ten months on fine lees. No filtration, no additives, no added sulfites. A fruity, very fresh sparkling wine with floral and yeasty notes. Very long finish. Natural wine with no added sulfites.