Vins Pepe Raventos Xarel·lo Vinya del Nogues - 2022 (750ml)

This comes from a small (less than 3 acre), single plot of Xarel·lo planted in 1970, on clay and limestone soils.  The plot is farmed using organic and biodynamic methods.

The grapes were hand-harvested, whole cluster pressed with a 55% yield and fermented with native yeasts and controlled temperatures in a 2,000 liter French oak foudre, 1,000 liter amphora and two 500 L French oak barrels. Following fermentation the wine was aged on its lees for 8 months. The wine sees no additional processing, filtration or additions prior to aging for a minimum of 9 months prior to release.

Winemaker Pepe Raventos describes the wine: "Our Xarel·lo del Noguer Alt is expressed with a clean, complex nose with a wide range of aromatic nuances from aniseed, Mediterranean herbs, smoked, iodized, fruity. Very well structured, round, enveloping, saline and fresh on the palate."

96 points Vinous Media

 Xarel·lo often tends to be a lighter white wine, but some examples stand out for their strength and precision. The 2020  Xarel·lo Vinya del Nogues from Pepe Raventos is one of the most enticing interpretations I've encountered. Made from biodynamic grapes from Penedes and aged in foudres, this yellow wine features aromas of grapefruit and apple with earthy undertones. It's dry and creamy on the palate, with a refreshing and loose mouthfeel that leads to a vibrant, energetic pear-juice flavor and a very expressive, lasting finish. This is a skillfully crafted white wine, bottled without any additional sulfur. - Joaquin Hidalgo April '24

94 Robert Parker

The still white 2022 Xarel.lo Vinya del Noguer comes from the Vinya del Noguer plot planted in 1970. It fermented with indigenous yeasts and didn't have anything added to it. The bunches were lightly pressed and the juice fermented in amphorae, foudre and barrel, where it matured for nine months with lees, after which time it was blended and bottled. It has 12.9% alcohol, a pH of 3.24 with 5.6 grams of acidity, a cloudy golden color and an expressive nose with notes of organic soils, chicken broth, aromatic herbs, cereals and flowers. The palate is velvety and tasty, with pungent flavors and a long, lingering finish. 4,784 bottles were filled in May 2023. - Luis Gutiérrez May 16, 2024