2009 Gramona Cava Celler Batlle

La Plana is the mother land and source of III Lustros, Celler Batlle and now, La Enoteca. Four hectares of Xarel·lo grow in this area, accompanied by a hectare of Macabeo. They grow on clay soils with a sandy substratum over limestone rock. Bounded to the east by the River Noia, to the north, the vineyards are open to the air currents from the valley which runs down from the mountains. To the south they are exposed to the sun, which follows the path of the river while, to the west, a hill of pine trees dominates, its shadow protecting the vineyards in the afternoons. The land is worked with the same meticulous care that it has received for the last 150 years.

Elaboration

Aged in bottles stored on their sides (“sur lattes”) for over 100 months, which is more than double the time required for a Gran Reserva according to the D.O. regulations. 100% artisanal process. The bottles are sealed with a cork stopper throughout the time they spend resting in the silence of the cellars, which enables the longest ageing periods. We use “pupitre” racks, and riddling and disgorging are carried out by hand. Medium dosage of 6-8 grams/litre. The “expedition liqueur” comes from the family solera, which is well over a century old. A traditional art which has been handed down from generation to generation.

Tasting notes

Appearance: Straw yellow with golden highlights with very bright tones.

On the nose: Deep, intense and complex. Candied white fruit - peaches, Golden Delicious apples and apricots turning to orejones. Lemon peel citrus aromas. Distinct hints of herbs - pine, oak. Moss. The ageing notes are endless, toast crusts, hazelnuts, walnuts, toffee, coffee, praline, mocha, boiled sweets and puff pastries.

On the palate: Powerful on entry with infinite nuances. A balance of maturity and freshness. Fine, soft, creamy bubbles, filling and caressing the palate. Expressive retro-olfactory aromas of the fruit and the notes from long ageing already found on the nose, topped off by a mineral touch.