Casteller

VISIT IMPORTER'S WEBSITE
Country of Origin: Spain
Location: Alt Penedès
People: Maria Galup, Winemaker
Viticulture: Practicing Organic

Items

Casteller NV Cava DO Login WA 87 In Stock
Casteller NV Rosado, Cava DO Login — In Stock

Meant to evoke all things Catalan, Casteller Cava is a bright, zesty expression of the traditional sparkling wine of Penedès. “Casteller,” or “Tower,” refers to the tradition of different clans and villages competing during holiday festivals to see who can build the tallest human tower. References to their presence in popular celebrations, especially in the area of Camp de Tarragona, first started to appear during the eighteenth century. In 2006, the Casteller tradition was named by UNESCO as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity, owing to its widespread practice in Catalonia over the course of many centuries. This lovely bubbly honors the tradition and conviviality of these festivals and the long tradition of sparkling winemaking in Catalonia.

The estate vineyards are located in northeastern Spain, a few miles south of Barcelona in the Alt (High) Penedés subregion of the Penedés DO. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea at 176 meters (577 feet) elevation, the vineyards and winery are located in the town of Vilafranca del Penedés. The ancient Greeks introduced vines to this area prior to the 4th Century BC. The topsoil is limestone and sand and poor in organic matter, resulting in low yields per vine and greater skin-to-juice ratio per berry, which produces more intense and concentrated flavors.

Reviews

  • Casteller NV Cava DO
    The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 87 (4/1/2010)
    Celler Vilafranca’s N.V. Casteller Cava contains the traditional Cava varieties of Xarel-lo, Macabeu, and Parellada kept on the lees for 12 months. Light straw colored, it displays an appealing nose of green apple, fresh biscuit, and mineral. Crisp on the palate with a refreshing finish, this excellent value will deliver pleasure over the next 1-2 years.