Wine: Ars Collecta 456
Winemaker: Cordorníu
Tirage Date: May 2008 (Aged for 90 months)
Variety: Pinot Noir (45%), Chardonay (45%), Xarel·lo (10%)
Price: Around £150 in select restaurants only
Only the best years see's this limited production wine produced and to that point there are only 800 bottles in existence each year. Left to age for over 90 months, this really is a one of a kind Cava. The magic is drawn from 3 different vineyards spread throughout the whole of Spain, offering different climates, terroirs and unique local elements to each vine and grape that ends up in the bottle. But where does the name come from? 456, in this case is the number of times the vines are harvested to ensure unparalleled quality in each and every bottle.
There's an incredibly sweet yeasty aroma on the nose, like a fresh brioche from the bakery. A bouquet of stone fruits oozes from the bottle; nectarines, apricots and peaches with a light and breezy floral finish.
As expected, the palate is simply divine. Exuberant with yeasty undertones, lovely floral notes and even a little redcurrant and gooseberry. Absolutely ripe with flavors, apple, pear, nectarine, apricot all combined with a marvelous minerality and freshness. The finish is long, robust and carries a beautiful balance of acidity and sweetness. A spectacular Cava that is in incredibly limited production from the 12th oldest family company on the planet, dating back to the 1500's.
