2018 Conde de Haro

There is a new pure Chardonnay sparkling wine, the 2018 Casa Conde de Haro Blanc de Blancs, that has a much longer élevage in bottle with lees. It has a golden color and with a much subtler nose, with more nuance and complexity, yeasty and smoky, toasty from the extended contact with lees. It fermented and was kept with lees in barrel for six months and kept in bottle for no less than four years, more in this initial vintage. It has no more than 2.5 grams of residual sugar, looking for balance, which it has. This should only be produced in years with aging potential, usually cooler years with more acidity like 2018. There are some 8,000 bottles of this.

This is a fresh and round-textured Cava from mostly viura. Creamy texture, fine bubbles and a delicious, flavorful finish. Brioche and light bread dough. Excellent quality. About 24 months on the lees. Drink or hold.

The 2018 Blanc de Blancs Cava Conde de Haro is 100% Chardonnay from Rioja Alta. Pale with golden flecks, it opens with fresh green apple, pear, white flowers and pastry followed by fine bubbles, a medium body and well-defined white fruit flavors. Balanced and persistent, it has an elegant, fruit-driven finish.