CAL XURRIU “INSTINT ANIMAL ORANGE”

2024 GRAPES: XAREL·LO (65%), MUSCAT DE FRONTIGNAN (30%), MALVASIA DE SITGES (5%) SKIN CONTACT: 2 WEEKS REGION: ALT-PENEDÈS, CATALONIA, SPAIN Producer: Cal Xurriu is the project of Agustí Costa and Paula Sandoval, begun in 2018 in the hills of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, an hour from Barcelona in the Alt-Penedès. In a region long defined by Cava monoculture, they belong to a tight-knit circle of natural growers seeking out small “special vineyards” and farming them organically, with biodynamic and observational practices that let the vines, herbs, and wild things grow on their own terms. Vinification: A fresh, mineral-driven orange built from an aromatic core of Xarel·lo, Muscat de Frontignan, and Malvasia de Sitges macerated together for two weeks, then blended with a further measure of direct-pressed Xarel·lo. Half the wine rests in stainless steel on its fine lees beneath a veil of flor, while the other half ages six months in a 500-liter French oak barrel that previously held red wine. Tasting notes: medium-bodied, dried apricot, orange blossom, marcona almond, sea salt, and a savory, nutty lift from the flor Pairing: grilled vegetables with romesco DRINK: NOW TO 2029 ORGANIC