Terra Vermella 2019

When browsing the incredibly varied landscape of Spanish cava wines, one often comes across the Parellada variety. Unimpressive in comparison to the better-known Viura or Xarel.lo, the Parellada has nevertheless played an important role in Spain's winemaking due to its high acidity and moderate alcohol content. In particular, the well-known winemakers Ester and Carles, with their talent for Catalan varieties, got involved with the Parellada and set great accents with it.

They discovered a rare mutation of the variety in a vineyard, high up at 550 metres in Old Penedès, located in the Pla de Manlleu. Named after the red clay soil on which it grows, the Parellada Montonega turns out to be a magnificent find. They refined the wine through typical fermentation and 32 months of ageing to bring out its individual flavours.

The product of their labour, the 2019 Terra de Vermella shimmers in a bright golden yellow hue with virginal green accents. Its aroma alone is reminiscent of renowned white Burgundies and mineral-influenced Sauvignon Blancs: grapefruit and salted almonds, as well as a definite maritime note reminiscent of oysters and the rough open sea. A breath of adventurous air captured in a bottle.

On the tongue, the wine unfolds like a painting, where bright fruits, smoky nuances and invigorating acidity create a harmonious overall picture. The tasteful aftertaste leaves a salty impression that seems to last forever. An experience in itself that far exceeds its price in value.

As the wine is infused with the fresh sea breeze, it complements seafood dishes beautifully. Try crispy calamari with a lime-garlic sauce, dorado straight from the oven with olive oil, romanesco, spinach and carrots, or perhaps for the gourmet adventurers among you, a lemony chicken dish combined with octopus, olives and green asparagus. But don't forget to decant the wine beforehand and don't serve it too cold. Enjoy it consciously and give it the chance to fully develop.