Maria de Maria Rigol Ordi Cava Brut Nature Valls d’Anoia-Foix Guarda Superior 2017 – Cava Gran Reserva

(organic, disgorging: 06-11-2024) The cava has a lemon yellow color of medium intensity, with small, regular bubbles. The nose is fragrant and quite expressive, with complexity and distinct notes of aging on lees. The initial nose expresses aromas of hay, brioche and fresh bread, with a hint of yeast, as well as flower honey and a touch of wax. After aeration, we find the fruity notes of yellow apple, crushed green apple, green pear, as well as fresh quince, fresh lemon and dried lemon zest, combined with a hint of blood orange, grapefruit bitterness and a fine floral bouquet (dried white flowers, acacia) and a touch of saffron. The palate is lively, with a fruity and tangy attack, which is then complemented by notes of autolysis. It initially expresses flavors of fresh lemon, lemon peel, green apple, yellow apple, and fresh quince. Then, we find flavors of white peach, apricot, saffron, fresh bread, brioche, and yeast, as well as hay and dried white flowers. The finish offers honeyed, slightly buttery, and toasted notes at the beginning, balanced by a lively acidity of yellow lemon and grapefruit on the persistence. The mousse is silky and rather persistent. Nice acidity and good length on the palate.