The Bodega has been producing Cava for 30 years. Originally they produced only rose Cava and labeled the wine as Champagne, as was typical for the time in Spain. Production was small and the wine was never sold in commercial quantities. When the recent internal boycott of Catalan products occurred, demand for the winery’s Cava soared and production has increased to current levels.
Ribera del Duero is a significantly cooler winegrowing area than Penedes as there are only 3 months a year when there is no risk of frost. This leads to excellent levels of natural acidity which are key for the extended aging process used in the production of sparkling wines. All fruit for the wine is organically grown (not certified) on the family estate’s vineyards around Aranda del Duero. Viura vines are aged between 60 and 180 years old and are all trained en vaso.
After primary fermentation this wine was aged for 25 months on lees. There is no dosage and residual sugar is less than 1 gram/liter.
The 2007 Penalba Lopez Cava de Duero Brut Nature offers up an expressive nose of mineral, white flowers, biscuit, pear, and apple. Dry, crisp, and refreshing on the palate, it displays excellent concentration and a clean finish. It is an outstanding value in sparkling wine.
Finca Torremilanos is the only estate in Ribera del Duero permitted to produce Cava which they have now been doing for 30 years. The climate is cooler than Penedes where 95% of Spain’s Cava is made. It is made from 90% Viura (vine age 60-180 years) and 10% Chardonnay with 25 months on the lees and zero dosage with residual sugar less than 1%. Finca Torremilanos is to be commended for its effort to expand the winemaking envelope. Issue 195, June 2011
