Can Rafols dels Caus 2024 'Terraprima' Blanc, Penedes DO (Massis del Garraf)

Vineyard Notes: Grapes for Can Rafols' 'Terreprima' line come from the Mas Sunyer property in Massis del Garraf, the forested mountains in the Penedes that lie about 8km from the Mediterranean Sea. The Mas Sunyer property sits around 200 meters above sea level and like the rest of the area has clay and limestone soils with a high concentration of calcium carbonate. All of Can Rafols' vineyards have been certified organic since the 2013 vintage. Can Rafols dels Caus founder, Carlos Esteva, acquired the Mas Sunyer property in 2000 in order to prevent the construction of a quarry in the area which would have had devastating consequences on the ecosystem. For this reason, they named the wines ‘ Terreprima ’ or ‘land first’.

Winemaking Notes: The Xarel.lo and Macabeo both go through a pre-fermentative maceration before being fermented separately with the indigenous yeasts in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. 20% of the Xarel.lo is fermented in 425-liter chestnut barrels. The wine is treated gently and only moved via gravity. Before bottling the wine is lightly fined and filtered. A small amount is sulfur is added, only at bottling.

Tasting Notes: Straw yellow in color, this wine boasts an expressive nose of ripe pear, apricot, and herbal notes, typical of its varietal character. On the palate, it is structured and complex, infused with spicy mountain herb notes and the distinctive minerality of the Garraf, leading to a savory finish.