2021 Raventós i Blanc, Conca del Riu Anoia, Blanc de Blancs (RT92) With a faded straw-yellow shade the 2021 Blanc de Blancs is an excellent example of how far a Spanish sparkler (formerly classified as Cava) can be. Crafted using the Champenois Methode, it boasts notes of Honeygold apple, underripe white melon pith, hints of lemon zest, a pinch of quince, hints of biscotti and a whiff of chalk. The palate is medium-to-light in density and length and closes with a medium finish. This is performing better than the 2020 Blanc de Blancs and is attractive as it slowly warms toward room temperature. Drink now-2028 Tasted November 2024.
Like its sister de Nit Rose bottling, this is a not to be missed value and a Rick Thompson Wine Hot Pick! Available in the US market in the low to mid-$20s price range, it is a complete steal and a wine that belongs in every household in the affordable sparkler catagory!
Raventós i Blanc wines departed from their former designation as Cava in 2012 and created their own DO titled “Conca del Riu Anoia”, which is the name of a small geographical area in the Anoia River Basin. It is located between the Catalan Pre-Coastal and Coastal Ranges, about 20 miles northwest of coastal Barcelona. The wines are defined by 4 principal requirements: 1. 100% native varieties, 2. exclusive use of Certified Organic/practicing Biodynamic viticultural methods, 3. exclusive use of only Estate grown fruit, 4. aging for a minimum of 18 months on lees.
This winery has been on a roll of late. Raventós is committed to being a 100% biodynamic estate and the wines are certified organic with all fruit grown using practicing biodynamic techniques. 210,000 bottles of the Blanc de Blancs are produced. This is a blend of mostly Xarello with Macabeu with 15% Parellada and 6% Malvasia de Sitges from the Vinya del Lac. Grapes are handpicked and after a gentle press, the varieties are vinified separately. There is no malolactic during fermentation, which is entirely in stainless, and the juice is finally blended, bottled and racked on lees for 18 months, where it is giro-pallet riddled. No dosage level is declared, but you can assume it’s low given its Extra Brut status.
