Mas Macia Cava Brut NV

This cracking Cava is made from a blend of the classic grapes, Macabeo, Xarel-Lo and Parellada grown on the Can Macià estate near the small town of Odena not far from the traditional home of Cava, Sant Sadurni d'Anoia. The fruit from around here has a bit longer to ripen before harvest which adds complexity of flavour and with being traditionally made and matured for an extended period of 24 months before disgorgement the range of flavours and aromas further enchanced. It's full of white fruit and citrus aromas which lead onto a complex palate containing green apple and stone fruit flavours with a touch of white spice. The bubbles are fine and persistent right through to the long finish which has a gentle savoury twist.

Delicious as an aperitif, great with tapas, but it also has bags of concentration and complexity which works well right throughout a meal.

Finca Mas Macià in Òdena, about 50km northwest of Barcelona, boasts a history spanning 800 years and remains in the hands of the same family. Today, it's run by Jordi Casanovas Bohigas and his daughter Maria Casanovas Giró, with a strong focus on producing top-quality Cava. Significant investment in their cellars in 2000 shifted their focus to estate-bottled wines, whereas before, much of their fruit was sold to other producers. Situated at an altitude of 450m, the estate is the second highest winery in the region, pushing the boundaries of Cava production.