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Spain's Wine Treasures: Between Tradition and Modernity
Spain, the cradle of viticulture since antiquity, is one of the world's largest wine producers. Its rich history, varied terroirs, and winemaking techniques have forged a unique wine identity. Travel through centuries to discover how this country has managed to combine heritage and innovation, from the first Phoenician vineyards to contemporary grand crus that attract wine lovers internationally.
Spanish viticulture, with its millennial history, dates back more than 3,000 years. As early as the first millennium BC, the Phoenicians introduced viticulture to Andalusia, followed by the Greeks. Under the Roman Empire, from 200 BC, viticulture experienced spectacular growth, becoming a pillar of the economy and a strategic asset to supply Roman legions.
During Muslim rule, between the 8th and 15th centuries, wine production saw a significant decline, with the notable exception of sherry, which continued to be exported across Europe from the 14th century. The Reconquista, completed in 1492, marked the beginning of a new era for Spanish viticulture. The expansion of the Spanish Empire then allowed local wines to travel and gain recognition in new markets.
The 19th century brought a decisive turning point in the history of Spanish wine, particularly in the Rioja region. The introduction of the Bordeaux method modernized winemaking practices, giving birth to Rioja wines as we know them today. At the end of that century, Spanish vineyards benefited from an export boom, while French vineyards were devastated by phylloxera.
The 20th century marked another key stage with the return to democracy and Spain's accession to the European Community. This period was synonymous with massive investments in modern techniques, the revalorization of soils, and the development of specific legislation that transformed the quality and reputation of Spanish wines worldwide.
The Great Spanish Wine Regions
With its diversity of climates, soils, and traditions, Spain offers exceptional richness in terms of wine regions. Here are the main Spanish wine regions presented on our site.
Andalusia: Cradle of Fortified Wines
Located in the south of Spain, Andalusia is a historic wine region, famous for its arid landscapes and exceptional sunshine. The vineyards, located around emblematic cities like Jerez, Montilla, and Malaga, benefit from an ideal warm climate for the production of fortified wines. It is here that some of Spain's most unique wines are born, often associated with rich and flavorful local gastronomy.
Castilla: The Wine Heart of Spain
This vast region, encompassing Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla y León, constitutes the country's wine heartland. Castilla-La Mancha is recognized for its large plains and high-volume production, while Castilla y León stands out for its high-quality crus. Following the Duero River, you will discover vineyards nestled in spectacular landscapes, producing wines with a strong character. This journey through the Ribera del Duero and Toro to the Portuguese border is an unforgettable experience, combining sensory pleasure and cultural discovery.
Catalonia: Innovation in the Service of Tradition
In northeastern Spain, Catalonia stretches between the mountains and the Mediterranean, offering an exceptional setting for viticulture. This dynamic region is famous for its sparkling wines (Cava) and elegant crus. The varied soils of the provinces of Barcelona, Tarragona, and Girona allow for a great diversity of styles. Modernity and tradition coexist harmoniously in this region, which attracts wine lovers from all over the world.
Spain's Flagship Grape Varieties: Unique Viticultural Richness
With nearly 600 grape varieties recorded, Spain stands out for its exceptional diversity, inherited from centuries of winemaking tradition. Its million hectares of vineyards, spread across the country, give rise to varied and authentic wines.
Airén
A drought-resistant white grape variety, Airén is mainly grown in Castilla-La Mancha. Highly productive, it offers lively and light wines, often used for brandies or entry-level wines.
Alicante Bouschet
Created in France, this teinturier grape variety is appreciated for its intense red color and its flavors of black fruits, cocoa, and olives. In Spain, it is nicknamed "tinta de escrever" for its deep color, ideal for blending.
Bobal
Originating from Utiel-Requena, near Valencia, Bobal is distinguished by its lively acidity and versatility. It produces fruity or structured reds as well as expressive rosés. Recent single-varietal wines reveal its full potential.
Cabernet Franc
Planted in the Basque Country, this red grape variety is known for its herbaceous aromas and elegant wines. Often used in blends, it also expresses itself as a single varietal in refined crus.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Although French in origin, Cabernet Sauvignon is very present in Spain, where it enriches blends with its tannic structure, blackcurrant aromas, and aromatic depth.
Carignan (Mazuelo)
A grape variety originating from northeastern Spain, Carignan is recognized for its robustness. It yields intense red wines with powerful tannins, often blended to balance their acidity and structure.
Chardonnay
This international white grape variety has found its place in Spain, where it expresses all its richness. Depending on the soil, it produces elegant whites, whether fresh or oaked, with notes of ripe fruit and vanilla.
Chenin Blanc
This versatile white grape variety is cultivated in certain regions of the country, where it produces fresh, dry, or sweet wines, always marked by beautiful acidity and floral aromas.
Garnacha (Grenache)
A pillar of Spanish wines, Garnacha thrives throughout the country, particularly in Aragon and Catalonia. Heat-resistant, it yields generous reds, fruity rosés, and complex blends.
Macabeo (Viura)
An emblematic white grape variety of Rioja and Catalonia, Macabeo is essential for cava production. It offers floral and fruity aromas, with low acidity that makes it particularly accessible.
Malvasia
Cultivated mainly in the Canary Islands and the Valencia region, this grape is used to produce sweet wines or aromatic whites, appreciated for their richness and roundness on the palate.
Mencía
This red grape variety, cultivated in northwestern Spain, yields elegant wines, marked by notes of red fruits, beautiful acidity, and tannic finesse.
Merlot
Although originating from Bordeaux, Merlot has established itself well in Spain. It is often used in blends to soften wines with its silky tannins and flavors of ripe red fruits.
Monastrell (Mourvèdre)
A red grape variety typical of Mediterranean regions, Monastrell yields powerful wines, with flavors of black fruits and spices, and a marked tannic structure. Monastrell is particularly appreciated for its intensity and unique character. Muscat
This aromatic white grape variety, cultivated in southern Spain, is used to produce sweet or dessert wines, marked by intense aromas of flowers and fresh grapes.
Parellada
Essential for cava production, Parellada is cultivated in Catalonia. It brings freshness and elegance, with floral notes and delicate acidity.
Pedro Ximénez
An emblematic grape variety of Andalusia, it is famous for its sweet wines with aromas of raisins, candied orange, and spices. A must-have for sweet and complex sherries.
Pinot Noir
Mainly used in sparkling wines, Pinot Noir is cultivated in Catalonia. It brings finesse and elegance to rosé cavas, with its flavors of red berries and light structure.
Syrah
This red grape variety is cultivated in many Spanish regions, where it yields full-bodied and spicy wines. It stands out for its black fruit flavors and its ability to adapt to warm climates.
Tempranillo
Spain's flagship grape variety, cultivated in Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and many other regions. It yields rich and complex wines, with notes of leather, tobacco, and ripe red berries.
Xarel-lo
Cultivated in Catalonia, Xarel-lo is a pillar of sparkling wines, bringing structure and freshness. Its balanced fruit and herb flavors make it an essential variety for Spanish sparkling wines.
Appellation Labels in Spain
Spanish viticulture is governed by European Union legislation, which established a harmonized classification framework in 2009. This system, similar to that used in France, divides wines into three categories:
Vin d’Espagne ("vino de mesa"): Corresponding to our table wines, this category includes simple wines without specific geographical indication. IGP ("vino de la tierra"): The equivalent of French "vins de pays," this classification highlights a regional origin without strict constraints on grape varieties or production methods. AOP: This category brings together two types of appellations: DO (Denominación de Origen): Equivalent to the French AOVDQS, it guarantees superior quality and specific origins. DOC (Denominación de Origen Calificada): The Spanish equivalent of AOC, this appellation certifies an even higher level of quality, with strict requirements on viticultural practices and traceability.
Focus on Our Spanish Winemakers: Emblematic and Committed Figures
Barranco Oscuro: Pioneers of Andalusian Natural Wines
Manuel Valenzuela, a visionary of natural viticulture, founded the Barranco Oscuro estate in 1979, in the Andalusian highlands. With his wife Rosa, he revitalized a former 19th-century estate, marking a revolution in local viticulture. On 12 hectares of vineyards, he cultivates indigenous varieties such as Montúa and Moscatel, as well as international varieties, respecting sustainable agriculture without chemical inputs. The wines, made without sulfites, express the purity of the Andalusian soils.
Discover Barranco Oscuro wines, vibrant crus that reflect the essence of the Andalusian mountains.
Bodegas Coruña del Conde: The Heritage of an Altitude Terroir
Perched at 1000 meters above sea level in Castilla y León, the Bodegas Coruña del Conde estate perpetuates a family tradition since 1990. Alberto López Calvo, a former cooper, founded this estate by valuing centennial vines and the continental climate. Today, his descendants cultivate 8 hectares according to sustainable agriculture, without herbicides or chemicals. The natural wines, vinified in various tanks and terracotta jars, capture the richness of local grapes like Tempranillo and Albillo Mayor.
Explore Bodegas Coruña del Conde's crus, combining depth and freshness in every bottle.
Clos Lentiscus: The Mediterranean Treasure of Penedès
In the heart of the Garraf Natural Park, a few minutes from Barcelona, Clos Lentiscus embodies excellence in biodynamics. Since the 19th century, the estate has produced authentic wines. Under the direction of Manel Avinyo, nicknamed "The Bubbleman," Clos Lentiscus has become a reference for natural cavas. The vines, planted on fossilized soils, highlight Catalan varieties such as Xarel·lo and Sumoll. Natural fermentations and the use of honey for secondary fermentation illustrate the innovative and environmentally friendly approach.
Savor the sparkling wines of Clos Lentiscus, elegant and mineral gems.
Clot de les Soleres: A Reimagined Tradition
Located in Piera, Clot de les Soleres revives a historical viticulture dating back to the 16th century. Since 2000, the estate has exclusively crafted natural wines, without sulfites or chemical inputs. The ecologically certified vines are cultivated manually on limestone soils, in harmony with local biodiversity. The wines, vinified in various tanks, express the richness of the soils and Catalan grape varieties.
Discover Clot de les Soleres' crus, a pure and authentic expression of Catalonia.
Cyclic Beer Farm: Between Natural Wines and Beers
Born in Barcelona in 2016, Cyclic Beer Farm explores mixed fermentations, merging the world of beer and natural wine. Inspired by Belgian traditions, the founders incorporate local products and grape varieties into their creations. Since 2019, Cyclic has produced natural wines, fermented with their indigenous yeasts and without additives, while reusing grape skins to enrich their beers.
Immerse yourself in the world of Cyclic Beer Farm, a daring encounter between innovation and Catalan terroir.
Bodega Marenas: The Wine Memories of Andalusia
In the Cerro Encinas region, producer José Miguel reflects his commitment to natural wines since 1999 through Bodega Marenas. On 5 hectares of albariza and sandy soils, he cultivates indigenous varieties such as Montepilas and Pedro Ximenez. Here, no additives or external fertilizers are used, allowing the wines to capture the purity of the Andalusian climate and unique soils.
Appreciate Bodega Marenas wines, an ode to authenticity and Andalusian wine memory.
Émilie Mutombo: A Belgian-Catalan Passion
Based in Bonastre, Émilie Mutombo has been creating natural wines since 2017. Inspired by her experience at Partida Creus, she quickly launched her own range of cuvées, including macerations and natural sparkling wines. Émilie works each plot by hand, producing rare and lively wines, which are a hit with enthusiasts in France and beyond.
Taste Émilie Mutombo's cuvées, a journey between passion and terroir.
Bodega La Senda: Diego Losada, the Rebellion of Bierzo
Founded in 2014 by Diego Losada, Bodega La Senda breaks the codes of conventional viticulture in Bierzo. His natural wines, from old low-yield plantings, embody a minimalist philosophy: no additives, no filtration, no clarification. Short macerations and fermentations in various containers offer pure and mineral wines, revealing all the richness of Bierzo soils.
Discover Bodega La Senda's crus, free and authentic wines.
Mendall: Family in the Service of Terroir
In Vilalba dels Arcs, the Mendall estate combines family traditions and respectful practices. In vineyards perched at 500 meters above sea level, local varieties such as Macabeo and Carignan are cultivated with care. Each wine is crafted by hand in a family cellar, using amphorae, barrels, and stainless steel, to capture the purity of the harvest.
Savor Mendall wines, the fruits of a passionate family adventure.
Partida Creus: The Art of Natural Wine
Antonella Gerosa and Massimo Marchiori, Italian architects turned winemakers in Catalonia, have been creating natural wines in their Partida Creus estate since 2001. The couple values rare varieties such as Cartoixà Vermell and Trepat, cultivated according to biodynamic principles. Their cellar mixes tradition and innovation, producing artisanal wines that reflect the diversity of Catalan soils.
Discover Partida Creus, authentic and captivating wines.
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Xarel Lo Domaine Blanc 2016
Clos Lentiscus
Festive, light, and crisp, this dry white wine made from pure Xarel Lo is, above all, a seducer. Aromatic and creamy with beautiful notes of white peach and tropical fruit accents, it has something to please every palate. The vines from which it comes grow on sandy-limestone soil. After the manual harvest, maceration is brief and pressing is very gentle to obtain the best from the grapes. Fermentation takes place in French oak barrels with indigenous yeasts. Aging takes place in the same containers for six months. Best served chilled.
Find out more
It is in Sitges, Catalonia, in the heart of the Garraf Natural Park, that Manel Avinyo and his brother Joan took over the family estate, renamed Clos Lentiscus by Manel. 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 as soon as the two brothers took over the estate, organic and biodynamic farming replaced conventional practices, the entire harvest goes into the house vintages, and organic and biodynamic practices have allowed this beautiful property to regain 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 indigenous 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, some of them 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, takes care of working the soil.
Elegance, purity, 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. The 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.
BS Blanc de Sumoll White 2020
Partida Creus
Finely macerated, with a superb golden hue vering with orange, BS Blanc de Sumoll is perfect for the table and refined dishes. Vibrant and aromatic, it offers notes of citrus (grapefruit, orange, lemon), rose, peach, apple, quince, garrigue (thyme, rosemary), and quince, with a rather saline finish. It is also mineral with notes of honey, leather, and stone. This still, sunny Blanc de Noirs, made from 100% white Sumoll (a grape variety that has become extremely rare in Catalonia) and produced directly from the press, is a historic cuvée, the first produced by Massimo and Antonella. Classified as Vino de Mesa (table wine), this is a very rare vintage that should not be missed when a few bottles appear.
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 wine is well-known – 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 found a quantity of abandoned vineyards planted with a dizzying diversity of traditional Catalan grape varieties that they passionately revived to save these varieties – and their wines – from oblivion. On their part, it’s not just a matter of saving heritage, no: it’s a matter of taste and nature. Natural wines, which they will continue to make from now on on these sandy, poor, clay-limestone or clay-gravelly, poor and poorly irrigated lands, where the vines suffer to give 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. Moscatel, Grenache, Merlot, and Cabernet (among others) are also grown here. Few wineries can boast 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-varietal 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 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 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.
Love Potion White 2019,
Love Potion Blanc 2019, from Clos Lentiscus, is a true declaration of love for natural wine. This still white from Catalonia seduces with its intense aromas, its delicious roundness, and its refreshing salinity. A captivating wine to be shared without moderation.
A rich blend and careful vinification
This wine is made from an unusual and refined blend: Muscat of Alexandria, Macabeu, Xarel·lo, Xarel·lo Vermell, and Sumoll, emblematic grape varieties of the Catalan terroir. Direct pressing, fermentation with indigenous yeasts and 36 months of aging in 55-liter demijohns give it a pure and natural expression. Bottling, carried out during the waxing moon, follows a biodynamic calendar that reinforces its energetic balance.
A seductive aromatic palette
Its golden color announces a sunny and generous wine. On the nose, the floral and fruity notes explode: fresh apple, citrus fruits, almond and hazelnut intermingle with a hint of iodine. On the palate, the roundness and saline freshness create a beautiful balance, underlined by a beautiful mineral persistence.
Pairings and Service
Served at 10-12°C, Love Potion Blanc 2019 will accompany A marvel with seafood, soft cheeses, or fragrant Mediterranean cuisine. Its aging potential of 5 to 10 years also allows you to explore its evolution over time.
A free and captivating wine, perfect for lovers of vibrant discoveries. A love potion to savor all year round.
Magnum BB "Cerrailla" Red 2019
Partida Creus
The Partida Creus estate is the brainchild of two Piedmontese natives from the Langhe (where wine is well-known), Antonella Gerosa and Massimo Marchiori, who initially pursued careers as architects in Barcelona. But the wine bug bit 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 wealth 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 heritage rescue, no: it's a matter of taste and nature. Of natural wines, which they will continue to make 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. This is why their estate is as important from a winemaking perspective as it is from a historical perspective - we are talking here about the history of the vine in Catalonia.
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 but always straightforward and impeccably juicy and fruity, breathe life. The arrival of a Partida Creus at the table always elicits cries of satisfaction. This 100% Bobal is a racy and finely wild red from the Cerrailla plot, built on a grape variety common in Spain but whose expression here is very original. Dark cherry red color; on the nose, candy, sweet flowers, fresh fruits, violet, thyme. On the palate, a lot of distinction: a straight acidity and morello cherry, ripe plum, black pepper, a small saline touch on the finish. Serve well chilled.
Magnum VY Ancestral White 2013
A white wine with great length. Notes of white flowers and dried fruits.
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 the full 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 vol-au-vent financier.
A natural wine with no added sulfites.
VNR Vinel lo Rouge 2020,
Partida Creus
A supple and hyperfruity classic "à la Jura," an easy-drinking everyday wine with a beautifully fresh expression and notes of pomegranate. VN, Vinel·lo, is a particularly successful blend of native grape varieties: it consists of Samsó (Cinsault), Garrut (Mourvèdre), Trepat, Ull de Perdiu, Queixal de Llop, Sumoll, and Grenache Noir, harvested from predominantly limestone soils. Vinification is carried out individually according to the varieties. No filtration, no additives, no added 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-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.
GRA Ancestral Sparkling Red 2013
Night Potion Skin Contact White 2021,
Night Potion Skin Contact is an organic and natural dry white wine certified CCPAE (Catalan Council for Organic Agriculture) and biodynamic, produced by Clos Lentiscus in the Baix-Penedés region (Catalonia).
Vinification
Produced on the limestone soils of the Garraf Natural Park, Night Potion Skin Contact is made using skin maceration, hence its name and its solid, structured yet velvety character. It is made from 100% native Catalan grapes, xarel lo, and is vinified in terracotta containers.
Tasting
Pleasant, pleasant, and adaptable to all occasions, Night Potion Skin Contact is a wine that goes with everything. Its minerality is matched only by its freshness, so there's no need to think about it any longer: let's quickly open this bottle to appreciate its all-terrain qualities, its controlled acidity, and its aromatic charm. It will pair well with tapas, raw, cooked, or smoked fish and seafood. If you want to know more about the delicious still or sparkling wines of this Catalan region, you can also visit the neighbors, at Partida Creus.
Learn more about Clos Lentiscus
In Sitges, Catalonia, in the Penedès appellation, Clos Lentiscus is an organic and natural wine estate located in the heart of the Garraf Natural Park. In a superb landscape of Mediterranean greenery, Manel Avinyo, nicknamed "the Bubbleman", his brother Joan and his daughter Núria specialize in cavas, sparkling wines made using the traditional method, and also make some still wines, all biodynamically, without added additives or sulfites.
History of Clos Lentiscus
The family has been established here since at least the 14th century. When the two brothers took over the estate, organic, biodynamic and additive-free winemaking replaced conventional practices, allowing this beautiful property to regain its former prestige: in the 19th century, its wines were sold in France and as far away as the Americas.
The Clos Lentiscus style
Purity, elegance and a crisp minerality characterize the organic and natural wines of Clos Lentiscus. This Catalan estate also produces still wines. The grape varieties are traditionally Catalan: Sumoll, Ull de Llebre, Xarel-lo, Cartoixà Vermell, Cariñena, and especially Malvasia from Sitges, accompanied by Tempranillo and Muscat from Alexandria. The vines are old, sometimes centuries old. No synthetic additives are used in the vineyard, where operations are dictated by the lunar phases. Pollination is facilitated by the presence of beehives, whose honey sometimes supports the secondary fermentation of the grapes.
Xarab Garnacha Red 2009
On south-facing schist hillsides at an altitude of 1,300 meters, Manuel Valenzuela has created this astonishing sweet red wine from the Xarab series, made from Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, raisined on the vine and harvested in December. The wine is rich, intense, and generous, loaded with candied red fruits.
A natural wine with no added sulfites.
Ce Rosé Brut Nature reflète parfaitement le style de Clos Lentiscus : des bulles fines, une grande fraîcheur et une forte identité méditerranéenne. Les arômes de fraise des bois, de framboise, de grenade et de fleurs séchées sont soutenus par une bouche vive, saline et d'une remarquable précision. Un rosé de gastronomie autant que d'apéritif.
Vinification
Assemblage de 45 % Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo), 45 % Sumoll et 10 % Syrah. Fermentation avec levures indigènes, prise de mousse selon la méthode traditionnelle, élevage prolongé sur lies et Brut Nature sans dosage. Comme toutes les cuvées effervescentes du domaine, le tirage est réalisé avec du miel de romarin produit sur la propriété.
Élaboré au cœur du Parc Naturel du Garraf, ce Blanc Brut Nature exprime toute la fraîcheur du Xarel·lo cultivé sur des sols calcaires balayés par les embruns méditerranéens. Les bulles sont fines et élégantes, accompagnant des notes d'agrumes, de pomme verte, de fleurs blanches et une belle minéralité crayeuse. Un champagne… espagnol, vibrant et d'une remarquable tension.
Vinification
100 % Xarel·lo, fermentation avec levures indigènes puis seconde fermentation en bouteille selon la méthode traditionnelle. Élevage prolongé sur lies, sans dosage (Brut Nature), avec le miel de romarin produit sur le domaine utilisé pour le tirage.
Cerro las Monjas 1368 Red 2005,
Barranco Oscuro
Blend of Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Grenache from high-altitude vines (1,368 m).
Extremely fresh wine, rich aromas, notes of Morello cherries and cherries.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.
Magnum XL Xarel Lo Blanc 2017, Partida Creus
Made from the native Xarel Lo grape variety, this smoky, mineral, and explosive white wine is perfect for seafood, fish, and white meats. Drinkable and enjoyable beyond description, yet complex, deep, and persistent.
Natural wine with no added sulfites.
Borgonon Granate Red 2006,
Borgoñón Granate is an organic and natural red wine from Andalusia made from Pinot Noir. Classified as Vino de Mesa (table wine), it is vinified by Cortijo Barranco Oscuro. As its name suggests, it draws inspiration from Burgundy. This 2006, which has had time to reflect, is one of the best vintages of this cuvée.
Vinification
This wine comes from Pinot Noir vines planted at an altitude of 1,280 meters on schist soils. The wine is aged for one year in old barrels.
Tasting
Borgoñón Granate is a beautifully atypical wine that displays remarkable density while being relatively clear and not very concentrated (a reference to Burgundy). Intense red fruits, cherries, melted and velvety tannins, and a long and seductive smoky finish. It ages well. Great balance, melted tannins, pair it with a beautiful grilled prime rib or Spanish canned fish. A pata negra ham? Certainly, it's a compatriot.
Learn more about Cortijo Barranco Oscuro
Manuel Valenzuela cultivates the highest vines in the world (1,368 meters), in Andalusia, on the Sierra Contraviesa. Barranco oscuro means "dark valley," a reminder of the original site of the property, which was moved at the end of the 19th century after the phylloxera crisis. In 1979, the estate was taken over by Manuel, who decided to use natural methods in preference to those of modern oenology.
A drop of 1,400 meters
At first, he bought grapes, but his goal was to replant vines. Currently, the twelve hectares of Cortijo Barranco Oscuro extend over a drop of almost 1,400 meters. On a poor, dry, schistose terroir, two localities concentrate the plots: Cerro Las Monjas at the very top and Hoyo y Cerro de Las Gayumbas lower down, near the winery buildings.
High-altitude wines
Strong thermal contrasts explain the freshness of the wines, produced without the addition of exogenous yeasts and without inputs in the vineyard or cellar. Although the estate is not certified organic due to the disillusionment that fraud in this area has brought Manuel, his estate is a member of the Spanish Association of Natural Wine Producers. His wines are straightforward and clean, without compromise: they give joy through the seriousness of the work that was necessary to produce them.
In Absentia Red 2018
Entirely produced in the north of El Bierzo from trousseau (locally called bastarda) on various quartz-clay-limestone plots at an altitude of 550 meters. The vines are seventy to ninety years old. Maceration lasts three to four days in chestnut vats, followed by nine months of aging in French oak barrels. No filtration, no added sulfites. Dark garnet color, smoky and fruity nose (trousseau-style: black cherry and raspberry), with a characteristic hint of bitter cocoa and peony. The mouthfeel is full and velvety, the flavor is fruity and smoky, both crisp and mineral. The delicious finish calls for another sip... Serve with roasted game birds, rare pigeon, roast venison, coq au vin, or chicken mole poblano. In a carafe, it will fully express its charms.
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 BB "Hondos" Red 2018
Partida Creus
Antonella Gerosa and Massimo Marchiori, 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 bit 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 wealth 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 heritage rescue, no: it's a matter of taste and nature. Of natural wines, which they will continue to make 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. This is why their estate is as important from a winemaking perspective as it is from a historical perspective - we are talking here about the history of the vine in Catalonia.
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 but always straightforward and impeccably juicy and fruity, breathe life. The arrival of a Partida Creus at the table always elicits exclamations of joy. This 100% Bobal is a racy and finely wild red from the Hondos plot, built on a grape variety common in Spain but whose expression is very original here. Dark cherry red color; on the nose, candy, sweet flowers, fresh fruits, violet, thyme. On the palate, a lot of distinction: a straight acidity and morello cherry, ripe plum, black pepper, a small saline touch on the finish. Serve well chilled.
