Clos Lentiscus Xarel·lo Xpressió

The mastic tree, a shrub with an aspiration to become a tree, stands as a symbol of Mediterranean essence since the Homeric era. A tree that dominates the landscape of Can Ramon Viticultors estate located in Sant Pere de Ribes, 45 km from Barcelona (Catalonia) and embodies the reverence for ancient tradition. In bygone times, communities would designate a sacred tree under whose shade they would gather to pass down stories from one generation to the next. With this same intent to safeguard tradition, Manel Avinyó, the current owner of the estate, embarked on a new chapter in 2001 under the name Clos Lentiscus. Spanning 20 hectares of vineyards in the heart of the Garraf Natural Park (D.O. Penedès), and with an unwavering commitment to age-old methods, he produces some of the most fascinating natural wines and sparkling wines.

An example of this return to roots is found in Clos Lentiscus Xarel·lo Xpressió, a sparkling wine crafted from indigenous varieties xarel·lo and xarel·lo rojo grown on calcareous soils and "sauló," the granitic sand characteristic of Catalonia's most Mediterranean region. Employing biodynamic farming and with the aid of sheep, bees, and his horse Ringo, he succeeds in cultivating pure, high-quality grapes. The harvest is carried out manually with bunch selection in the vineyard, and once in the winery, the fermentations occur separately. On one hand, the xarel·lo ages for 8 months in French oak barrels, and on the other, the xarel·lo rojo ferments in Roman amphorae over the course of 8 months. Subsequently, following the traditional champagne method, a second fermentation of the blend is initiated by adding honey and yeast, and it rests on its lees for 60 months.

After disgorging, we obtain a Garraf sparkling wine with a pronounced varietal character. Clos Lentiscus Xarel·lo Xpressió faithfully expresses an ancient Mediterranean estate dating back to the 14th century. It is the vivid portrayal of a generous winemaker, effusive and passionate about his craft.