West Sussex County Times

Roger Goulart: A cathedral of cava is on offer in the south of Spain

- By Richard Esling winewyse.com

In the heart of the Penedes region of Catalonia in southern Spain, 25 miles inland from Barcelona, lies the village of Sant Esteve de Sesrovires.

This is true cava country where the best Spanish sparkling wines are produced.

All cava is made by the traditiona­l method which is the same method as Champagne and involves a period of ageing the developing wines on the lees, or yeasty deposits in the bottle, during the secondary fermentati­on.

The company of Roger Goulart has been producing a range of cavas based in this village since 1882.

Starting as a modest family business, the company acquired more land and in 1919 a magnificen­t building was completed to house the winery and shipping warehouse, often referred to as The Cathedral of Cava.

The building was designed by Ignasi Mas i Morell, a contempora­ry of the world-famous Antonio Gaudi, responsibl­e for the extraordin­ary work on the Cathedral Of Barcelona.

Part of the modernist architectu­re movement, the building is grandiose and stunning, yet remains understate­d at the same time.

Hidden underneath the building is more than one kilometre of cellars at a depth of nearly 100 feet, allowing the wines to mature peacefully for many years, one of the founding principles of cavas Roger Goulart.

Dedicated to making the finest quality sparkling wines, the long ageing during the traditiona­l method winemaking is key to the refined and elegant finish for which the company strives.

Only the finest grapes are selected from specific vineyards in the Penedes region, true to the highest quality standards.

The traditiona­l cava grape varieties of Xarello, Macabeo and Parellada are blended together, with the first fermentati­on kept cool at around 17 degrees C.

Roger Goulart Brut Reserva 2019 is aged for a minimum of 18 months and often for more than two years. Aromas of white peach and pear mingle with citrus notes and a touch of yeast.

The palate is fresh with considerab­le depth and length on the finish.

Newly on the UK market, it is available online from Cellar Selected based in Yorkshire at around £18 per bottle (currently on offer at £14.75).

The Roger Goulart Gran Reserva is aged for over five years, giving greater depth of flavours and complexity.

Straw yellow with golden tints, aromas of fennel combine with toasted brioche and hints of herbs. Available from Wholefoods and other independen­t specialist­s at around £20 per bottle but look out for offers.

A classy and refined cava with great depth of flavour and character.

Fountaineh­all Wines of Scotland offer nationwide delivery through DHL and currently have a great sale price with around £5 per bottle reduction.

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