Winery: Gramona

Country / Region: Spain / Catalunya, Corpinnat

Date Winery was established: 1881

Grape Variety: 65% Xarello, 35% Macabeo

Alcohol Content / Volume: 12% / 750ml

First Vintage Released: 1950

Ratings: (2017) 94 pts Wine Advocate

Good to know: Aged on their lees “sur lattes” for over 70 months with cork stopper

Gramona assumes responsibility for each and every step involved in the wine making process, from the vine to the bottle. The grapes are picked by hand, go onto a sorting belt, are transferred by gravity and pressed whole bunch.

This wine is aged for more than 70 months and its 100% artisan 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. They use ‘pupitre’ racks and riddling. Non dosage.

Gramona focus on organic & biodynamic viticulture. Based on careful observation and the management of the factors which in-fluence their terroir and its habitat. They do not apply chemical herbicides or pesticides, but instead they use natural resources, with the primary aim of maintaining a balance in the environment and, they preserve spontaneous ground cover in order to obtain spongy soils. Through biodynamics, which goes one step beyond organic growing, Gramona breathe life into their vineyards and seek to raise levels of biodiversity: they preserve spontaneous ground cover in order to obtain spongy soils. They apply plant-based infusions and decoctions to avoid pest infestations, and produce their own animal and vegetal com-post from their orchard of medicinal plants and their farm of cows, sheep, chickens, and horses. Worthy to pay a visit!

Gramona III Lustros 2017 is a benchmark biodynamic sparkling wine from the heart of Penedès, released under the prestigious Corpinnat collective. Sourced from the historic Font de Jui estate, it is built predominantly around old-vine Xarel·lo complemented by Macabeo and Parellada, then aged on its fine lees under natural cork for a remarkable seven-plus years (over 84 months) before being disgorged with zero dosage (Brut Nature). In the glass, it delivers an ultra-fine, creamy bead alongside deeply complex autolytic and mineral aromas of toasted brioche, roasted hazelnuts, and warm sourdough layered over baked quince, dried Mediterranean herbs (fennel, thyme), and chalk dust. On the palate, it exhibits profound vertical tension and aristocratic composure, combining a silky, vinous texture with vibrant, crystalline acidity and a long, bone-dry finish defined by striking salinity and a classic, delicate touch of bitter almond.