Sip Vilarnau Cava for an Artistic Taste of Bubbly

A few years ago, I traveled to Barcelona for the first time. Between visits to the avant-garde Fundació Joan Miró art center, quirky Parc Güell, and the sensory-filled La Boqueria (for jamon, of course), I fit in more than a few sips of refreshing Spanish bubbly from local tapas bars and restaurants. And now? Just recently, I tasted two exceptional Cavas that brought to mind the vibrancy and unique qualities of that incredible city. Read on.

If the beauty of each bottle from Vilarnau’s TrencadÍs Edition isn’t enough to entice you to pick up a few at your nearby wine shop, I don’t know what will. But if you’re still questioning the quality of what’s inside, dismiss that thought! What I discovered in these two exquisite bottles of Cava, the Brut Reserva NV and Brut Reserva Rosé NV (sent as samples), were elegant, exhilarating palate profiles that paired with a variety of savory Spanish tapas… and a dear friend’s conversation as we reminisced about our travels to Barcelona so many years ago.

The design of the bottles from this small, artisanal, handcrafted Cava house is truly stunning. “TrencadÍs” is a type of mosaic created from miniscule fragments of broken ceramic tiles, roof tiles, or crockery. Also known as “pique assiette” in French, this style was used during the modern artistic movement in Catalonia. Architects GaudÍ and Josep MarÍa Pujol used “trencadÍs” in a plethora of designs. In particular, this style can be found throughout the famous Parc Güell in Barcelona. Vilarnau is located just outside of cosmopolitan Barcelona; it’s natural that this design pays homage to its Catalan roots.

The Vilarnau family, members of Spanish nobility, settled in the area of Penedés in the 12^th century. Their home stood within the estate of the Castillo de Subirats at which grape vines were already present. By 1949, the first Cava labelled “Vilarnau” was crafted from these age-old vineyards. Since that time, the name “Vilarnau” represents exclusivity and excellence, thanks to “exacting quality standards with impeccable attention to detail”. Those at Vilarnau are quick to explain that their long-standing tradition of quality signifies consistency year after year.

In 1982, Vilarnau became a member of the González Byass, a family-owned collection of exceptional wineries located across Spain’s major wine regions. Then, in 2005, a new winery with a modern design was established at the center of the Vilarnau estate. The structure’s straight lines, an abundant use of glass throughout, and rainwater running around the outside are forward-thinking architectural elements that help this stunning  winery blend in seamlessly with the Mediterranean landscape. Strategies to monitor energy consumption, manage water use, reduce waste, and engage in sustainable agriculture are utilized so that their Cava is produced “with as little impact on our planet environment”.

 

Vilarnau’s “Can Petit I les Planes de Vilarnau” estate comprises only 20 hectares on alluvial soils of lime and clay. With views of the Monserrat Mountains that protect the vines from the cold winds, the vineyards are surrounded to the south by the Serralada Litora (the Coastal Range). To the east, vines are only 30 kilometers away from the Mediterranean Sea that provides the area with gentle breezes. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Macabeo, and Xarel-lo are cultivated on these estate vineyards that are 250 feet above sea level.

 

Now, what’s inside each gorgeous bottle? Cava that is just as artistic as the label design.

The Vilarnau Brut Reserva NV ($14.99), a blend of 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada, and 15% Xarel.lo, burst with bright aromas of golden apples, stone fruit, ripe pear, and a wisp of sea breeze. On the palate, dry and crisp notes of orchard fruit and minerality were delightfully refreshing. Fruit-forward from beginning to end, the mousse on this delicious Cava was persistent and…made me want to visit Barcelona yet again!

Oh my! The Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé (NV) ($15.99) was an absolute delight! With 85% Trepat and 15% Pinot Noir as the blend, I noted the bright pink color in the glass then discovered aromas of violets and roses and lively, refreshing flavors of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. The dancing bubbles, yet another expression of the artistry in this Cava, never stopped…

Cheers! ~ Cindy