Celler Credo 'Miranius' Xarel-lo Penedès DO 2021

For many, Catalonia, Spain’s wine industry is synonymous with one thing: Cava. The birthplace of the country’s flagship fizz, its Mediterranean yet multifarious climate and proximity to Barcelona have allowed the region to develop and export mass quantities of the (often cost efficient) sparkler. In recent years, however, a small cadre of terroir driven, forward thinking winemakers has begun to reimagine the area’s reputation and vinous future, eschewing chemical interventions in the vineyard and concentrating increasingly on quality in the cellar. Ton Mata, the third generation leader of Recaredo winery, is arguably leading the charge in Alt Penedès, the highest altitude sub-zone of Catalonia’s Penedès DO. A vocal advocate of biodynamic agriculture, he’s not only raised the standard of local bubbles by creating long-lees-aged, zero-dosage and single vineyard bottles, but has championed still wine production of indigenous varieties under his smaller Celler Credo label. Miranius, a varietal xarel-lo named for the foxes who wander into the estate vineyards, is arguably his most approachable. Light-bodied, low in alcohol and almost too easy to drink, it’s bright but built out, offering orchard fruit, citrus tones and vibrant acidity. Certified organic, certified biodynamic, low intervention/natural wine, vegan.