.rating A-

standout historic Cava producer that no longer operates within the D.O.

about The Raventós family has been making wine in Catalunya for more than 500 years, steeped in the region's tradition. The family was the first to make sparkling wine, eventually becoming Corodníu, one of the two largest producers of Cava. Josep Raventós i Blanc was president of Cordoníu, leaving in 1982 to form his own winery which was founded in 1986 a few days before his death. His son Manuel took over; tensions with D.O. Cava and concerns over the lack of quality of the D.O. meant that Raventós i Blanc left the appellation in 2012. The aim was to create a new D.O. called Conca del Riu Anoia (named after the river which runs through the region); however, due to legal challenges from outside the wine industry, this is very unlikely to happen. Raventós i Blanc are very much on their own, but their reputation precedes them.

wines tasted

"De la Finca" 2019 ($38)

All Raventós i Blanc wines are a blend of the traditional local varieties Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Paralleda, all grown on the family estate. “De la Finca” comes from a specific site, Vinya dels Fossils, and is aged for 30 months on the lees in the bottle, using the traditional method of making sparkling wine. There is no dosage: the wine is completely dry.

Blanc de Blancs 2023 ($30)

Blend of Xarel·lo, Macabeo, Parellada. From a 40-year-old vineyard, aged for 18 months. Very typical of Raventós i Blanc: classic Catalan sparkling wine, floral and attractive, soft, gentle, fresh acidity, with a little marketing flourish: almost all “Cava” is Blanc de Blancs.

“De Nit” 2020 ($30)

40% Xarel·lo, 34% Macabeo, 19% Parellada, 7% Monastrell: a rosado that’s just about pink. Aged for 15 months. Refined and elegant.

Can Sumoi Montónega Ancestral 2024 ($27)

Can Sumoi is Raventós i Blanc’s experimental project, the wines made from old vines at high elevation. Montónega is a synonym for Parellada, perfectly suited to the 600m plantings. Just four months ageing, for a fresh, very clean pét-nat equivalent.

website https://www.raventos.com/

email info@raventos.com

phone +34 93 818 32 62

address Pl. del Roure, s/n, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia