Grapes: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parellada

Origin: Sant Sadurn d’Anoia, Catalua, Spain

Farming practices: Organic

The name of the winery is Mata i Coloma. The name of the winemaker is Pre Mata. The wines have individual names as well, but they all say Pre Mata on them. We call these wines by that name, Pre Mata. And its appropriate because they are truly a reflection of one mans passion. Pre farms 5 hectares in the town of Sant Sadurn dAnoia in the heart of the Peneds. The work is all organic and by hand. He grows only the historical grape varieties of Xarel-lo, Macabeu and Parellada as he feels that these are the grapes most suited to the task of speaking the terroir of Cava. The wines all spend at least 2 years on lees and some over 4 years. The quality of these sparkling wines inevitably brings up Champagne but Pere is not attempting to make Champagne. He is making Cava with a level of dedication and craftsmanship that is usually associated with Champagne. The results are inspiring.

This is one of the most serious and underrated Cavas on the market, especially at this price point. It drinks better than a lot of $50 Champagnes with just the rich amount of biscuity quality to still allow the stone fruit and unripe lemon to shine through. Refreshing and unexpected.