Clos Lentiscus Xarel·lo Xpressió 2011
Details
Clos Lentiscus Xarel·lo Xpressió 2011
Produced by Can Ramon Viticultors del Montgròs, one of Catalonia's most radical -in the best sense of the word- wineries, Clos Lentiscus Xarel·lo Xpressió is a bold, uncommon Spanish sparkling wine which nods to some old Mediterranean winemaking traditions.
It is produced from biodynamically farmed vineyards with sandy-limestone soils located in Massís del Garraf, a mountain range just a 30-minute drive from Barcelona.
A blend of Xarel·lo and Xarel·lo Vermell, the grapes were picked by hand and meticulously selected at the vineyards. Then both varieties were separately fermented. The Xarel·lo was aged for 7 months in oak barrels, while the Xarel·lo Vermell was fermented and aged in clay amphorae. After that, this organic sparkling wine was added honey -as it was done back in Greek and Roman times- and then it completed secondary fermentation inside the bottle.
Finally, Clos Lentiscus Xarel·lo Xpressió 2011 was aged for 60 months.
The result is a Reserva sparkling wine of a truly unique character. A combination of ancestral techniques and cutting-edge winemaking.
| Appearance | Clean and bright, the sparkling wine Clos Lentiscus Xarel·lo Xpressió is medium yellow with some amber tinges. |
|---|---|
| Nose | Intense and fresh, this blend of Xarel·lo and Xarel·lo Vermell proudly bears the mark of its highly characteristic terroir. Deeply mineral, but also fruit-driven, with notes of lime and garrigue, and some creamy nuances. This Penedès sparkling wine also suggests a note of royal jelly. |
| Palate | Bold and palate-coating, this sparkling wine of Can Ramon Viticultors del Montgròs is no doubt substantial, but has a steely backbone of acidity which keeps everything in place. Lingering white fruit, with some creamy and smoky notes, and a dash of bitter honey. Lifted and energetic, it has a long finish with a flinty and citrusy note. |
| Our personal opinion | Richly layered and luscious, Clos Lentiscus Xarel·lo Xpressió 2011 is perfect for those in search of something different. Being full of niceties which need some time to unfurl, this Penedès sparkling wine will be best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. |
| OTHER VINTAGES | Clos Lentiscus Xarel·lo Xpressió 2010: Enterwine 93. |
| Year | 2011 |
| Type of Sparkling Wine | Brut |
| Denomination of Origin (DO) | Other denominations |
| Bottle size | 75 cl |
| Percentage of Alcohol | 12.5 |
| Serving tempurature | 6-8ºC |
| Does this wine follow the guidelines of biodynamic Farming? | Yes |
| Organic | No |
| Is this product free of sulfites? | No |
| Ageing | Reserva |
| Number of months aged in the bottle | 60 |
| Enterwine's Score | 93 |
| Media rating | 93 |
| Percentage of variety | Xarel·lo 50%, Xarel·lo Vermell 50%. |
| Pairings | Alone, Aperitif, Baked whitefish, bluefish, Curred fish, Fish and gravey, Foie Gras, Grilled fish, Grilled whitefish, Oysters, Poultry, Roasted foods, Roasted lamb, Smoked foods, Soup and rice, Steak Tartare, Sweet pastries, White meat with gravy, Whitefish salads |
| Taste | Complex and Elegant, Creamy with fine bubbles, Silky and intense |
| Occasion | A special occasion, Because you deserve it, Business dinner, Dinner with friends |
