2014 Bodegas Agusti Torelló Mata, Rosé Cava, Trepat Reserva, Sparkling Wine, Penedès, Spain.
How I went all my years in the wine business and not have had Agusti Torelló Mata Cava seems impossible, this is one of the great sparkling wine producers of the world and finally I can now say I’ve had their amazing bubbly, I am thrilled with this discovery of, which I must be one of the last people in this seriously connected world to do so, this hand crafted Cava is from just outside Barcelona in the Penedès region of Catalunya. The four sons, Agustí, Gemma, Alex and Lali run this top estate, founded in 1950, though the family brand started in the 1990’s by Agusti the elder, using only Méthode Champenoise, and they only work with indigenous varieties, which include Macabeu, Parellada and Xarel-lo as well as Trepat, the red grape that is used for this fine Rosado (Rosé) Cava, their range of Cavas includes dry and very dry, low dosage styles that show in fact terroir and traditional character, while being luxurious, wonderfully energetic and poised with class and balance. This 2014 Trepat Rosat Reserva, aged 24 months on the lees is a sexy dry crisp sparkling that is quite expressive in fruit and leesy rich on the palate with distinct cherry and distilled raspberry notes along with a layered yeasty mouth feel and an exceptionally glorious mousse that is creamy, but full of vigorous vitality. Deeply pink and magenta, this Agusti Torelló Mata Cava highlights it’s Mediterranean influence and is perfect for warm days, it’s dry feel and brisk nature make it refreshing, but complex enough to enjoy with many cuisine options, with air it gains dusty strawberry, mineral notes as well as cranberry, apple skin, bright herbs, wet shale and bread dough, finishing with hints of floral tones that leave an impression of rose water and tangy citrus. This is a brilliant wine, 100% Trepat, a grape that was almost forgotten and replaced by Pinot Noir has made a stunning comeback in recent years, thank goodness that some old vines still remain and make sparkling and reds of authentic delicacy as it does here in Bodegas Agusti Torelló Mata’s fabulous pink bubbly, do not miss this joyous dry Cava, perfect for a long Sunday brunch!
($22 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
