Raventós Rosell Cava Brut Gran Reserva 2017.
Imagine: a winery that emerged from a descendant of one of the ‘Seven Sages of Greece’ and the passion of the daughter of a seasoned cava producer from the forties. It sounds like the beginning of a fairy tale, but this is the true story behind Raventós Rosell. In 1985, Joan Raventós Rosell and Maria Carme Vallverdú Ferrer decided to embark on this wine adventure, following in the footsteps of their ancestors. An enchanting journey that started as a tribute to the past and now fills every glass with the delightful results of their passion and dedication.
About the Region
Raventós Rosell is a winery rooted in the enchanting Penedès region, southwest of Barcelona. This region, boasting over 2500 hectares of vineyards, features diverse sub-regions, each with its unique characteristics, terroir, and grape varieties. The variety in elevations, landscapes, and microclimates in Penedès allows every wine producer to benefit from a rich array of grape varieties. Xarel-lo, Macabeu, and Parellada are common grape varieties, while tempranillo, garnacha, and cabernet sauvignon are abundant.
The varied terroir of the region extends from coastal areas to increasingly higher and steeper vineyards inland. The elevation plays a crucial role, not only in providing a cooling climate but also due to the favorable southeast orientation to the sun, resulting in optimal grape ripening. At the highest vineyards, between 500 and 800 meters, an even cooler climate prevails, leading to the production of exceptional wines in limited quantities. The region’s climate is typically Mediterranean, mild and warm, with moderation in the maritime area due to the influence and proximity of the sea. At altitudes above 600 meters, there is more frequent rain and a greater temperature contrast between maximum and minimum temperatures. The diversity in soil types, ranging from limestone and clay to sandy soils, contributes to the intriguing complexity of Penedès wines.
About the Winery
Raventós Rosell was established with a clear and unchanged goal over the years: to create still wines and cava’s with a distinct and unique style. The estate spans 52 hectares, nestled between the Montserrat mountain and the Ordal massif, right in the heart of the Penedès depression. The area slopes beautifully to the east, basking in the full morning and afternoon sun.
At the core of the vineyards stands the estate’s farmhouse, Can Llopart dels Tres Pons, with a rich history dating back to 1700. Here, you’ll find parts of the winery, the oenological laboratory, and the tasting room. Raventós Rosell is renowned for its profound respect for the land’s values and the hard work invested in producing top-quality wines with refined aromas and delightful flavors. The winery distinguishes itself by not only using indigenous grape varieties from Penedès, such as Macabeu, Xarel-lo, and Parellada but also incorporating French varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chenin, and Sauvignon Blanc. This harmonious blend results in still wines and cava’s with distinctive personalities and characteristics.
Raventós Rosell’s focus is entirely on creating unique wines with an innovative twist. The combination of low production and calcareous clay soils with pebbles ensures easy drainage during heavy rain and water retention during dry periods. This results in grapes that reflect the pure taste of the terroir. In essence, Raventós Rosell offers a fresh perspective on the world of wine and cava, where each product embodies a unique personality.
About the Wine
Upon pouring, the wine displays a beautiful golden-yellow color. The cava, combined with its refined bubbles, exudes a luxurious appearance. The wine is crafted using the traditional method and then matures for an impressive 48 months. Due to this extended aging process, it imparts a plethora of secondary and tertiary aromas on the nose, such as caramelized nuts, honey, and butter. A hint of peach adds freshness to the wine. A true delight for the palate with a lingering finish. Made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and the indigenous grape variety Macabeu.
Conclusion:
Thanks to the extended aging process of this cava, the wine feels and tastes complex yet refined. Despite being a cava, this wine can easily compete with good champagnes. This cava has a substantial body, and its long finish ensures prolonged enjoyment. We award this 2017 Brut Gran Reserva with a 92-point DWA score.
We also reviewed the 2017 Heretat Reserva, of which you will find the review here.
This review is written by our own Bo van Damme. Raventós Rosell is imported by Goessens Professionals in Wine and available through selected retail and hospitality partners.
Price: €31,00
Taste date: February 2024
Score: 92/100 DWA Score