Vins El Cep
OT Blanc de terrer
Penedes, Spain
2022
Xarello
This pioneering Penedès farm was formed by four historic wine growing families in 1980 to make wines from vineyards they've been farming since 1448. Organic since 2001 and farming biodynamically since 2003, they remain one of the region's most progressive producers.
The winemaking for this wine is very gentle, using a low-pressure pneumatic press, with only a 45-50% must extraction. Fermentation begins spontaneously and is carried out in small stainless steel tanks.
A dry and mineral heavy white with juicy acidity.
Tasting notes: wet stone, white fruits, steel, orange, apricot
When it comes to celebrations, a bottle of bubbly is often the drink of choice. But what exactly is sparkling wine? Its effervescence and charm have captured hearts and palates for centuries.
What is Sparkling Wine?
Sparkling wine is a variety of wine infused with notable levels of carbon dioxide, resulting in its effervescent quality. This carbonation can occur naturally through fermentation in the bottle (Méthode Champenoise) or through carbon dioxide injection.
History and Origins
The roots of sparkling wine trace back to the Champagne region of France in the 17th century. Initially, it was an accidental byproduct of winemaking, but over time, it became highly sought after for its unique taste and celebratory appeal.
Types of Sparkling Wine
There are various types of sparkling wines, each with its own distinctive characteristics and production methods. Some of the most renowned varieties include:
Champagne
Champagne is the epitome of luxury and sophistication. Produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France, it undergoes a labor-intensive process known as Méthode Champenoise, where secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, resulting in its signature fine bubbles and complex flavors.
Prosecco
Prosecco hails from the Veneto region of Italy and is known for its light, fruity profile. Unlike Champagne, Prosecco is typically made using the Charmat method, where secondary fermentation takes place in large tanks, resulting in a fresher, more affordable alternative.
Cava
Originating from Spain, Cava is Spain's answer to Champagne. Made primarily from indigenous grape varieties such as Macabeo, Xarello, and Parellada, Cava offers excellent value for money and boasts a crisp, refreshing taste.
Other Varieties
Beyond Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava, there is a world of sparkling wines waiting to be explored. From Italian Franciacorta to German Sekt, each region offers its unique expression of effervescence.
Pairing Sparkling Wine with Food
Pairing sparkling wine with food can elevate both the dining experience and the wine itself. While it's versatile enough to complement a wide range of dishes, there are some general guidelines to follow:
General Guidelines
Acidity: Sparkling wines tend to have high acidity, making them excellent palate cleansers. They pair well with fatty or rich foods, cutting through the richness and refreshing the palate.
Bubbles: The effervescence of sparkling wine enhances the dining experience by providing a contrast in texture and cleansing the palate between bites.
Sweetness: Consider the sweetness level of the wine when pairing with food. Sweeter sparkling wines pair well with desserts, while drier varieties complement savory dishes.
Specific Pairings
Seafood: The crisp acidity and delicate bubbles of sparkling wine complement the freshness of seafood dishes such as oysters, sushi, and grilled fish.
Poultry: Sparkling wine pairs beautifully with poultry dishes, whether it's roasted chicken, turkey, or duck. The bubbles cut through the richness of the meat, enhancing its flavors.
Cheese: Sparkling wine's acidity and effervescence make it an excellent match for a variety of cheeses, from creamy brie to tangy goat cheese.
Serving and Enjoying Sparkling Wine
To fully appreciate the nuances of sparkling wine, it's essential to serve and enjoy it properly:
Temperature and Glassware
Temperature: Serve sparkling wine chilled but not too cold. The ideal temperature ranges from 45 to 55°F (7 to 13°C) to preserve its aromas and flavors.
Glassware: Use a flute or tulip-shaped glass to showcase the wine's bubbles and aromatics. The narrow shape helps retain the effervescence and concentrates the aromas.
Opening and Pouring
Opening: When opening a bottle of sparkling wine, hold the cork firmly and twist the bottle, not the cork, to prevent it from popping prematurely.
Pouring: Tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle while pouring to minimize bubbles and prevent overflow. Pour in a slow, steady stream to preserve the wine's effervescence.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Observe the wine's color and effervescence. A vibrant hue and persistent bubbles indicate a well-made sparkling wine.
Aroma: Inhale deeply to capture the wine's aromatics, which can range from citrus and floral notes to toasty, yeasty undertones.
Palate: Take a sip and savor the wine's texture and flavor profile. Note the acidity, sweetness, and overall balance of the wine on the palate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sparkling wine is not just a beverage; it's a symbol of celebration, elegance, and joy. Whether you're toasting a special occasion or simply enjoying a meal with loved ones, the versatility and charm of sparkling wine make it a perennial favorite. So next time you're in the mood for a little sparkle, reach for a bottle of bubbly and let the festivities begin!
🍾 It’s Saturday night and I’ve got Toro Bravo Sparkling Secco White ($12) from Spain in my glass. Nothing fancy, but enjoyable. And yes, it’s bottled by screw cap. Widely available at LCBO. Full review here: https://bit.ly/3h10GCv
🍷TASTING TONIGHT 6-8PM🍷 @nickafricano is behind the bar pouring stellar Spanish and Portuguese bottles from @jpselections These wines are small batch beauties that you’re gonna wanna taste! Plus 🧀 @mongerspalate 🥖 @shewolfbakery and 🎶 @officialphilcollins 🤷♀️ #dandylovesyou #greenpoint #drinkwine #naturalwine #winetasting #cava #xarello #godello #valdeorras #chãorijo #lisboa (at Dandelion Wine) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0WR0xeHFhb/?igshid=povttd6tamby
Como me gusta este vino!! Dido Blanco 2018 de Venus la Universal. Es tan elegante, serio, con volumen y mediterráneo que por eso creo que me gusta cada vez más. El proyecto Venus La Universal busca recuperar el origen, las variedades autóctonas, ese saber hacer…. y es por esta razón que en esta vino se han utilizado las variedades de Macabeo, Garnacha Blanca y Cartoixà (el nombre local de Xarel·lo). Los artífices de este proyecto son Sara Pérez (Mas Martinet) y René Barbier (Clos Mogador). 🍇 Proyecto: Venus La Universal 🍇 Zona: Montsant 🍇 Añada: 2018 🍇 Variedades: Macabeo, Garnacha Blanca y Cartoixà 🍇 Alcohol : 13% 🥇 Parker: 93 🍷 Nariz: Recuerdos a otoño, las hojas secas, fruta madura, frutos secos, semillas. Se identifican claramente. 🍷 Boca: Volumen, elegante. Textura cremosa. Largo final. …..... @marvilaplanaestrada @domontsant @masmartinet @clos_mogador @winesofgarnacha @venusuniversal @lamarinetarestaurant …….. #mesaparaocho #foodandwine #vino #vinoblanco #vi #enologo #montsant #garnacha #macabeo #macabeu #xarello #wine #winelover #winelovers #winetime #winetasting #wineloving #wineporn #catalanwine (en La Marineta Restaurant Mataró) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQRUOF1hL4R/?utm_medium=tumblr
En el año 1887 Pere Massana empezó a etiquetar su vino espumoso con el nombre de la masia que tenía en Subirats, Llopart. Por eso, hizo uso de una etiqueta muy especial, la que todavía viste todas las botellas de @llopart1887 En la etiqueta se ve una vista panorámica de la masía Llopart de Costa y las montañas del entorno, aunque en esta botella, una de esas joyas que encuentra uno en el fondo de bodega, aunque algún caracol intentó adelantarse... 🐌🍾🙃 Actualmente Cavas Llopart siguen elaborando cavas de grandísima calidad siendo fieles defensores de los métodos y calidad tradicionales legados por sus antecesores. 🥂 @cava.do #cava #parellada #mimejorvino #wine #vino #winelover #winetasting #sumiller #xarello #macabeo #Cataluña https://www.instagram.com/p/CL2CDDqrlhm/?igshid=19au0lfqfi76o
#Repost @dm_sommelier • • • • • • Sitges - Garraf ¿Conocéis el método Ancestral de elaboración de espumosos? 👉Ya lo he explicado alguna vez, los ancestrales (o Pet-Nat), son espumosos con una sola fermentación, que empieza en el depósito y acaba en la botella. Y son mucho más naturales, ya que no se les añade ni azúcar ni levaduras para que vuelvan a fermentar. El que hoy os presento es de ?@cuscoberga una bodega familiar situada en Les Gunyoles (Avinyonet), en el Massís del Garraf. Un 🥂ancestral de Xarel.lo natural y de mínima intervención, sin sulfitos añadidos. El mosto de Xarel.lo de viña 🌱ecológica, ha fermentado espontáneamente con las levaduras salvajes y como he explicado antes, ha acabado la fermentación en la botella. 👁️Món Càlcic 2018 es un 🍾Brut Nature de color amarillo pálido, tiene un carbónico fino y persistente. 👃Aroma fino y varietal, buena expresión de Xarel.lo, aparecen notas de fruta blanca🍏🍐 y recuerdos cítricos🍋. Limpio, agradable y ligeramente mineral. 👄Limpio y seco en la boca, con un paso ágil y buen equilibrio entre la acidez varietal y el carbónico. Muy agradable, con los recuerdos sápidos de los vinos del Massís marcados. Es una edición limitada de 650 botellas que invita a beber 🥂y a comer🍴. ⚠️Otro vino muy interesante del Garraf que sale al mercado sin Denominación de Origen⚠️ 🤔Que opináis❓ Se están quedando obsoletas las D.O❓ .............. #garraf #rawwine #ancestral #petnat #natural #xarello #catalanwine #catalunya #sitgessommelier #sommelier #sparkling #eco #tasty #winetime https://www.instagram.com/p/CKexWrbrsKU/?igshid=1gog2j7xji983
A lovely example of an approachable skin contact wine, done right. Mariano continues to prove that he deserves his spot as one of the highly appreciated winemakers in the continent. He also shows us that experience is worth its weight in gold when it comes to low intervention winemaking. Orange 2020 is different as it now blends 5 different varieties as opposed to the 2 that it usually does - Tardana, Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Chardonnay and Muscat. It’s full of life and bursting with zingy, citrusy fruitiness. 💦 Muchas gracias @bodegacuevabymariano 🙏🏻 https://www.purewines.co.uk/product/orange-2020/
Cosillas que se han venido a casa gracias a los amigos de @elbotiquintaberna : 🍷Terraprima Blanc 2018 de @canrafolsdelscaus [ @dopenedes ], 🍇 Xarel·lo y Riesling. 🍷Neno de @bodegasomoza [ @do_valdeorras ], 🍇 100% Godello con una crianza sobre lías finas de unos 6/7 meses. . . . #elbotiquintaberna #canrafolsdelscaus #bodegasomoza #godello #riesling #xarello #vino #vinoblanco #winepassion #winelover #wine #whitewine #winetasting #spanishwine #vino #tasting #sumiller #sommelier #gourmet #maridaje #gastronomia #gastronomy #gourmand #enjoylife #lifestyle #lifestyleblogger #gentleman #gentlemanstyle #instagram #instagood #instawine (en Madrid, Spain) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHnoCRsLPsE/?igshid=qnq51jqksfaf