Handford Wines

Raventos I Blanc, situated in the heart of Catalonia is one of the premier producers of Cava in the DO. Founded by Josep Maria Raventos and his son Manuel Raventos Negra, this 90 ha single "Pago" "estate" is in Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, between the coastal hills and Monserrat, 40 km west of Barcelona, within the DO Penedes region. The Raventos family and Codorniu family ties go back to the 15th century. Manuel Raventos, the managing director and heir, grew up in the Codorniu mansion. Sr. Raventos decided to go solo, producing a small production (only 200,000 bottles per year, compared to Codorniu, who have 100 million bottles in stock at any given time) of super deluxe Cavas that could rival any premium Champagne (such as Roederer, Clicquot). The Raventos single vineyard is privileged to have a Mediterranean climate with gentle winters and hot dry summers, with average temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius. Soil is poor in organic matter, yet high percentage of chalk exists, making the area ideal for viticulture.

The Wine

Penedes' sensational answer to the big whites of Priorat. Barrel fermented Xarello and Chardonnay make for a lush, dense, honied mouthful with intricate layers of chalky minerals, lemon, and toasted nuts, overlaying pure yellow stone fruit. A fresh acidity keeps the wine taught and structured. A serious effort that will hopefully be favourably recognized by wine critics! Perfect foil for white Burgundy. Drink now to 2016+

Single Bottle: £31.95

In a case of 12: £30.35