rating B+

standout small, long-standing producer not afraid of experimentation

about family producer dating back centuries, historically growing not just grapes but other crops too. The name of the winery, Avinyó, comes from the remote village of Avinyonet del Penedès in coastal Catalunya where the family has lived since 1597. Still family owned and run, the current owner's grandfather replanted the property in 1889 determined to focus on quality. They sold grapes to the big cava producers until the 1970s, when they began to make their own wine and have since established themselves as a quality producer.

wines tasted

Brut Reserva 2017 ($18)

A traditional blend of Macabeu, Xarel·lo, and Parellada, the grapes are grown on the family estate and made in the family farmhouse, Can Pontalans, at an elevation of 250+ meters. All Avinyó wines are vintage and receive longer ageing than average cava. The Brut Reserva is aged in the bottle on the lees for 24 months, giving it an extra yeasty, nutty complexity while preserving its freshness.

Brut Nature 2015 ($23)

A blend of Xarel·lo, Macabeu, and Parellada, the grapes are from vines dating back to 1945 grown on the estate vineyard Can Fontanals at an elevation of 250-275 metres. After the first fermentation, the second begins in the bottle in January after the harvest; once that's complete, it spends at least another two years in contact with the lees. There is no dosage, so the wine is completely dry.

“La Ticota” Brut Nature 2015 ($50)

85% Xarel-lo, 15% Macabeo. From Avinyó’s oldest vineyard, planted in 1940, at 250m elevation, just two hectares in size. Aged for five years on the lees. Wonderfully complex and concentrated, with depth, power, and subtlety

Pétillant 2022 ($23)

A different style. Lightly bubbly and very fresh. A blend of 70% Muscat de Frontignan (which creates a fruity, grapey quality to the wine), 20% Macabeu, and 10% Xarel·lo. Sold in cans and kegs as well as bottles.

website https://www.avinyo.com/

email avinyo@avinyo.com

phone + 34 93 897 00 55

address Can Fontals, 1