Tasting Notes
The story
The Colet winery is one of a handful of producers who walked away from the Cava DO as they felt Cava had been devalued by the more commercial style. In order to differentiate themselves they now produce their sparkling wine as Classic Penedès which is - and has to be by regulation
- 100% organic
- made from grapes that are 100% from the Penedès region (in their case they are all from their own vineyard) and
- 100% Reserva which means it has been aged for a minimum of 15 months (in fact for 24 months for this wine) before release.
And like Cava it is produced by the Traditional or Champagne method, making it a great alternative to Champagne.
The wine
Making sparkling wine since 1987, the Colet family has perfected its blend for this 'Tradicional' sparkling wine as 50% Xarel-lo, 40% Macabeo and 10% Parellada. Although part of the reason for leaving the Cava DO was to start using other grape varieties, these are the classic grapes for Cava hence the name 'Tradicional'. Macabeo is often the predominant grape in Cava - Colet prefers to have a majority of Xarel-lo because of its acidity and its resistance to premature oxidation. This allows them to add only a minimum 'dosage' or residual sugar, retaining a crisp, dry and yet fruity style.
This sparkling wine has lots of fruit flavours - citrus, apple and peach included - and also touches of honey and cream given the time spent on its lees in bottle before release. It has a lovely rich texture which balances well with the fresh acidity.
Food Pairing
Very food-friendly wine
Producer's Notes
"Expressive and very pleasant aromas of white and green fruits and some citrus. On the palate, a touch of creaminess from the time spent on the lees. Great freshness, while remaining fruit forward."
Awards
89 points RobertParker.com Apr 2018
"Harmonious, serious and ... traditional, the 2016 Tradicional is a classical blend with a couple of years sur lie and a nice balance between fruit and youth and yeasty development and complexity."
17 points jancisrobinson.com Feb 2017
"Refined and inviting aroma that is both fruity and mineral with just a hint of smoke. Tight and zesty with admirable fruit purity and the elegance and depth of lees ageing. Creamy but fresh finish."
