Can Rafols dels Caus 2022 'Gran Caus' Blanc, Penedes DO (Massis del Garraf)

Vineyard Notes: Grapes for the Gran Caus Blanc come from the vineyards surrounding the estate's masia , the 15th century farmhouse where the winery was built. Many of these are the oldest vines, which Carlos Esteva began reviving in the 1980s, including Xarel.lo vines that are almost 100 years old. The vineyards have been certified organic since the 2013 vintage and there is no irrigation. The estate is located at 300 meters above sea level and is planted to calcareous clay soils and limestone with a large presence of marine fossils. Plots range in size from 0.15ha to 2ha and are scattered throughout the forested mountains surrounding the estate.

Winemaking Notes: Harvest is always done by hand. At the winery, grapes are gently crushed and pressed without destemming. The three varieties are fermented separately in stainless steel tanks and cement vats with indigenous yeast. No oak is used in the Gran Caus Blanc. After aging in tank the wine is lightly fined and filtered before being bottled with a minimal addition of sulfur. The wine rests in bottle for 1 year before release.

Tasting Notes: The wine is golden yellow in colour with greenish reflections. Ripe lemon, juicy peach and white flowers stand out on the nose. Subtle on the palate with a creamy texture, firm acidity and a pleasant mineral saline hint. Unctuous finish with refreshing citrus notes.

While the Gran Caus wines are delicious upon release, this wine is well regarded for it's long aging potential of 20-30 years. In 2025 we tasted a 2001 that was stunning - full of life, complex, and impossible to put down.