El Xamfrà Mercat Brut Nature Cava NV

92 points Wine & Spirits: “From vines planted on clay and limestone around the village of Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, this is a classic blend of 50 percent xarel.lo, 40 percent macabeo, with parellada making up the rest. It aged for 18 months on its lees and developed slight hints of flor, as if it were a bubbly interpretation of a Fino. It moves through the mouth in cool waves of flavor, the texture firm yet creamy. It’s a rich, layered sparkler to serve with suquet de peix, a classic Catalàn fish soup with clams. (Aug 2015)”

Importer notes: “Pale straw in color with a complex nose of ripe pear and brioche. Zesty minerality dominates the palate with note of the chalky soil on which the grapes are grown. Stone fruits like apricots and nectarines are framed by a structure of acidity and limestone that show through due to the lack of dosage. Alcohol 11.5%.”