Mas Macia Cava Brut

The Can Macia estate in Odena - around 50km north west of Barcelona and just 10km from the foothills of Montserrat - dates back 800 years and still belongs to the same family, of which Jordi Casanovas Bohigas is a direct descendant. He, together with his daughter Maria Casanovas Giro, run the winery and estate.

Cava is king here. Mas Macia 's first Cava was released in 1936, but much of its production was still sold to other Catalan producers. However, investment in the cellars in 2000 led to renewed emphasis on high quality estate-bottled wines, both sparkling and still.

The Can Macia estate has over 35 hectares of vineyard, along with forests and wheat fields. The family also owns the 54 hectare Can Batllevell estate in Gelida (half-way between Odena and Barcelona) where its limestone soils and Mediterranean climate lead to early-maturing grapes. These estates combined mean that the family has access to Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parellada, Garnatxa Blanca, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon - with some vines over 50 years old.

At 450m in altitude, the estate is the second highest winery in the region and at the very limit of Cava production.

Macabeo, Perellada, Xarel-Lo

A classic blend of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo - from 35 hectares of vines cultivated on the Can Macia estate, in the Anoia river basin near Odena.

Macabeo 40%, Xarel-Lo 35%, Parellada 25%.

Made using the traditional Cava method - the wine is matured for an extended period of 24 months before disgorgement to enhance the complex, fruity aromas.

White fruit and citrus aromas lead onto a complex palate with green apple, stone fruit and a touch of white spice. Bubbles are fine and persistent through to the long finish and gentle savoury twist.

Delicious as an aperitif, great with tapas, but equally with enough concentration and complexity to drink throughout a meal.