L’Alzinar Brut Nature Reserva 2022

Wine Description for L’Alzinar Brut Nature Reserva 2022 by Vins El Cep

Colour & Appearance

Luminous pale yellow with bright, greenish reflections. The perlage displays itself evenly and medium-fine – a visual promise of elegance and precision.

Nose

This Cava surprises with its uncompromising reductive character. Maritime notes dominate: oyster shell, sea spray, fresh seaweed – as if the Catalan coast had been poured into the glass. Behind this unfolds a fascinating herbal spectrum of lemon thyme, lemon balm, hay and dried wild herbs. Saline dough notes and freshly chopped almonds complete the picture, whilst grapefruit, nashi pear and white peach shine through only discreetly and elegantly.

Palate

Here reveals itself the true nature of a Brut Nature: austere, expressive, uncompromising. Lean and racy in structure, with a mineral, almost chalky texture that recalls the limestone soils of the region. Completely dry, without any fruit focus. Instead, spicy, nutty notes of artichoke, fennel and coriander seed dominate. The thirty-month yeast ageing imparts depth and tension without creating breadth – a balancing act executed with mastery.

Finish

Long, saline and with a fine, invigorating bitter tone that whets the appetite. The ethereal freshness remains present, the mineral structure resonates sustainably.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from various parcels, some planted as far back as 1958. The 2022 vintage was marked by extreme drought – the earliest harvest in the winery’s history, with 25% yield loss. This austerity is reflected in the wine.

Grape Variety & Vinification

50% Xarel·lo, 25% each Macabeo and Parellada – the classic Cava trilogy. Fermentation of the base wine in stainless steel, followed by at least 30 months of yeast ageing after the second fermentation. Bottled without dosage.

Food Pairing Recommendations

Oysters, scallops, ceviche, grilled octopus, fried artichokes, Manchego or Idiazábal cheese. Also excellent with sushi and sashimi.

Special Features

A Cava for purists: without dosage, without compromise. The record-breaking 2022 vintage demonstrates how climate stress can lead to concentrated minerality. An authentic representative of traditional Catalan sparkling wine craftsmanship at a remarkably fair price.