Bodegas Sumarroca, Cava Reserva Brut Organic, DO Cava, Spain, 2022

Producer Profile

Since 1980, Carlos Sumarroca and his wife Nuria have built Bodegas Sumarroca into one of the largest and most important entirely estate-grown organic Cava producers in the Penedès.

Carlos was originally an agronomist, selling fruit trees around the world, but a conversation with the Marques de Monistrol about the low prices being paid to growers and the lack of emphasis on quality led to a gentleman’s agreement to purchase the 500ha estate there and then. Carlos then embarked on a process of removing of non-indigenous varieties from the estate and vowed never to compete with the large volume wineries, but instead to focus on high-quality production and sustainable management. Today the estate is certified by the internationally recognised Biosphere Sustainable certificate supported by UNESCO and strives to work with as little impact on the local environment as possible in ways to support the local economy – measures that include the repopulation of native fauna, the installation of hives and protected areas for bats, and the gradual elimination of fossil fuels. If that wasn’t enough, Bodegas Sumarroca also make sublime Cavas that reflect their overriding passion for the land.

Viticulture

This organic Cava is made with grapes from the Sumarroca estate in Penedes. Selection of the best plots of the traditional Cava varieties: Macabeu, Xarel·lo, Parellada and the universal Chardonnay. Sumarroca Estate is Located in Monistrol d'Anoia (in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia), all south-facing vineyards, protected by the Montserrat mountain range and benefitting from the gentle Mediterranean coastal climate and the “terral” wind from inland. With a wide variety of animals (including the short-toed eagle, jay, salamander and black starling) and plants (including Aleppo pine forests, fragrant virgin's bower and the European nettle tree). It also features three ravines (two within the estate and a third right on the border) and two forests (Bosque de Águila [Eagle Forest] and Sierra de la Vermella).

Winemaking

Separate wine-making processes for each variety. Static filtration for 24 hours. Fermentation in stainless steel vats at 14ºC for 18 days. Aged in stacks for around 24 months.

Tasting Note

All those who adore Champagne´s classic fresh brown bread-scented yeasty flavours will love this classy Cava; rich, full complex and toasty. Pale yellow colour. Fresh aroma and fruity and fresh on the palate with fine, pleasant bubbles that perfectly complement the wine's structure.

Food Matching

Grilled foods, stews, fried foods... and, in the case of this brut, desserts that are not too sweet, fruit salads, cakes, Catalan caramelised custard.