Papet del Mas, 11.5% ABV Cava Brut 75cl

An enticing bouquet of fresh green apple, pear, and citrus, complemented by nuances of almond and a touch of brioche. The palate is crisp and lively, with a creamy texture and persistent fine bubbles that lead to a clean, refreshing finish. Vegan Papet del Mas’s winemaker, Josep Maria Suriol, is an enthusiastic champion of the Cava DOs indigenous grape varieties, which is reflected in the estate’s flagship blend of 50% Xarel-lo, 25% Macabeo and 25% Parellada. Josep’s family have made fine sparkling wines in Penedès for generations, and his winemaking approach nods to this heritage in its classic style, while remaining staunchly quality focused. Papet del Mas’ vines are sustainably grown on chalk and clay soils, which provide good drainage. All the grapes are hand-harvested into 20-kilogram crates and put into a cold room for a short period before crushing. This, along with the juice yield being only 55–60%, ensures that only clean must, with minimal phenolics, is used in the primary fermentation. This first fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks for 10 to 14 days at 16°C, while the second fermentation takes place in bottle while being cellared 10 metres below ground. There is no malolactic fermentation and a dosage of eight grammes per litre.