Team C&J
In the heart of Cava country in Spain, among the hilly vineyards and time-honored winemaking traditions, sits the celebrated Agusti Torello Mata winery—one of the most respected names in the world of Spanish wine. Here, the art of crafting Spain’s renowned sparkling wines is a testament to the old-world finesse and expertise of the Torello Mata family, whose flagship creation, the 2014 Agusti Torello Mata Cava Kripta Gran Reserva Brut Nature, has not only garnered critical acclaim since the 1980s but also set the benchmark for excellence with its unique blend of indigenous Spanish grapes.
Join us as we journey into the world of Cava, where tradition, innovative craftsmanship, and a story of exceptional quality converge in a single bottle, encapsulating the sheer magic of Agusti Torello Mata’s illustrious winemaking legacy.
Cava is a type of sparkling wine that comes from Spain. These bottles of bubbly are made using traditional methods, similar to how Champagne is made in France. Cava is known for its lively bubbles and refreshing taste, and it’s often made from native Spanish grape varieties like Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel·lo. Spanish sparkling wine is an excellent and affordable alternative to Champagne.
The Mata family has been involved in the world of Cava since 1955 when patriarch Agustí Torelló Mata made his first 500 bottles of Spain’s popular sparkling wine. It took just over 20 years for Agusti to craft what would become known as the winery’s flagship bottle, Kripta, which we profile here.
Kripta, now crafted by Agusti’s son, Alex, is a blend of three indigenous Spanish grapes: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. These old vines have an age range of 50 to 60 years old, and they still produce delightfully concentrated fruit. Each bottling has been highly celebrated for over 40 years and has been awarded gold medals in international wine competitions since 1984!
Located within Barcelona, Sant Sadurní d’Anoia is the undisputed capital of Cava. The warm and dry climate, combined with the sandy clay and limestone soil, are excellent for growing popular grape varieties like Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel·lo.
The region has a high concentration of wineries, over one hundred (!), most of which are dedicated to crafting the region’s delicious, high-quality sparkling wines. Sant Sadurní d’Anoia has been a popular grape-growing region for over two millennia, and the worldwide demand for Cava just keeps growing.
This bottle of Cava from Agusti Torello Mata is special. It’s so special that some wine critics have compared its quality to the most highly regarded Champagnes. Among influential sparkling wine critics like Michel Bettane, the 2014 bottling from winemaker Alex Mata was so spectacular that he included it in his book “The Best 100 Wines of the World”. For context, just five sparkling wines made it into the book. Four of them were Champagne.
But it’s not just this elegant sparkler that’s getting all the attention, the bottle is pretty special too. Each amphora-shaped bottle is produced by hand, and the label was designed by artist Rafael Bartolozzi. Just 26,000 bottles were produced.
In the glass, the 2014 Agusti Torello Mata Cava Kripta Gran Reserva Brut Nature has a clear and bright appearance with a pale lemon-green color. The nose reveals vibrant aromas of lemon, lime, biscuit, brioche, and apricot. The aromas are gentle but with a touch of intensity.
On the palate, this Cava presents as dry with high acidity and a lower alcohol content. This Spanish Cava is a delightful and refreshing sparkling wine with vibrant citrus and pastry aromas, satisfying dryness, and a well-structured, balanced taste profile.
If you’re new to Cava, you may be surprised to learn that sparkling wines like Torello Mata’s Kripta are as highly touted as their Champagne peers. If you’re not a believer yet, this bottle of 2014 Agusti Torello Mata Cava Kripta will undoubtedly change your mind and make you convert from French bubbles to Spanish!
What’s the difference between Cava and Champagne?
The biggest differences between Champagne and Cava are their regions of origin and grape varieties. Champagne comes from France’s Champagne region and is typically made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, while Cava is produced in Spain, mainly using indigenous Spanish grapes like Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel·lo.
There are also differences in the winemaking processes and aging requirements, giving each type of sparkling wine its distinctive flavors and characteristics. Champagne often features complex and biscuity notes, while Cava tends to have a fruitier and fresher palate.
Is Cava wine sweet or dry?
If you’re the type of wine lover who appreciates refreshing and crisp sparkling wine with a dry finish, there’s a good chance you will like Cava. These wines tend to be on the drier side, and do not have the same sweet finish as a demi-sec Champagne.
Spain
Sant Sadurní d’Anoia
Macabeu
11.5
Alex Mata
47–50°F / 7–10°C
Chardonnay
N/A
Now to 2035
Agusti Torello Mata
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