Bodegas Sumarroca, Cava Nuria Claverol Homenatge Brut Gran Reserva, DO Cava, Spain, 2015

Producer Profile

From fortuitous beginnings in 1980, Carlos Sumarroca and his wife Nuria have built Bodegas Sumarroca into one the most important and largest entirely estate-grown organic Cava producers in the Penedes.

Originally an agronomist, selling small fruit trees around the world, a conversation with the Marques de Monistrol about the low prices paid to growers and lack of emphasis on quality, led to a gentleman’s agreement there and then to purchase the 500 hectare estate. He went about a process of removal of non-indigenous varieties from the estate, and a focus on planting native varietals, with a view never to compete with the large volume wineries, but instead to work with a focus on high-quality production and environmental management. Practicing sustainable viticulture, they are also certified by the internationally recognised Biosphere Sustainable certificate, supported by UNESCO, and strive to work with as little impact on the local ecology, and in ways to support the local economy. This includes the repopulation of native fauna on the farm, the installation of hives and protected areas for bats, as well as investment in efforts to eliminate the use of fossil fuels for energy. If that wasn’t enough they make sublime Cavas, continue to impress with their innovation, and embody the philosophy of passion for the land.

Viticulture

A very special cava bearing the name of the wife of the wineries' founder, Carles Sumarroca. The cava carries a dedication from her three children to their mother: “This is a tribute to our mother, her love of the land is a constant in her life.” The high quality of this cava lies in the selection of the vine plots used to make it. The basis of Núria is the Xarel-lo variety from the Peretes plot, measuring 4.1 hectares in the Santa Creu terrain of the Sumarroca estate. The vines are more than 50 years old, growing splendid Xarel-lo yielding low production. The Parellada comes from the Mirador plot on the same estate, measuring 8.17 ha. It is poor soil, with more clay and chalky gravel. The Chardonnay variety comes from the Castell plot, measuring 3.6 ha, at the top of the Sabartés estate.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and transported quickly to the winery for a gentle pressing without destemming. Only the first part of the must is extracted, after cooling to 10ºC to prevent oxidation. Natural, static filtration for 24 hours. Fermentation in stainless steel vats at 14ºC for 17 days. Aged in stacks for around 30 months.

Oak Ageing

No oak ageing

Tasting Note

Unique, intense aroma with strong mineral and toasted notes resulting in a highly individual character. Full favoured with bubbles that dissolve and mix with the cava to give it the right level of complexity; from a highly fruity start to an intriguing fresh and minerally finish.

Food Matching

We recommend this elegant Cava with Rissoto, Paella, lamb, pork.. or just for fun on it's own.