Can Rufols del Caus - ‘Terraprima’ - Massif del Garraf, Penedes, Spain (2021)

TASTING NOTES

Fresh white fruit aromas with hints of herbs and smokiness. On the palate, a gorgeous expression of the complexity and minerality of this unique terroir. Xarel·lo gives structure and roundness to the wine, while the Riesling gives elegance and depth. Firm acidity and plenty of chalkiness. 

Made from hand-harvested, old-vine Xarel·lo and a small amount of Riesling. Traditional fermentation with indigenous yeasts, with part of the Xarel·lo fermented in large chestnut barrels.

In 1979, Carlos Esteva began reworking his grandfather's 17th century estate on the stony, rugged landscape of the Garraf Massif along Spain's Mediterranean coast just south of Barcelona.

The land is rocky and inhospitable, yet is somehow home to a wide range of unique microclimates Carlos has leveraged to plant over 28 grape varieties. With soils infused with decomposed dolomitic limestone with elements of ancient stones and fossils, the Can Rafols estate gets plenty of warmth and sunshine as well as afternoon winds that temper the heat and humidity of summer.

Carlos’ arrival in the Garraf was nothing short of a revolution. Not only did he undertake the daunting task of restoring the noble but derelict masia (a traditional Catalan farmhouse), he also regenerated the farming of the vineyards, introducing new varieties and methods of cultivation, making a decisive bet on quality wines of unparalleled character that would give a fresh identity to his estate winery.

Grapes are delicately harvested and brought to a state-of-the-art processing facility where they are fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in a mixture of stainless steel, French oak and chestnut. 

What makes Can Rafols dels Caus so unique is that the wines are only released to market when Carlos feels they are perfectly ready to drink - which often means additional ageing after bottling.

It's an unconventional approach but trust us, these wines are most definitely worth the wait.

With decades of experience in the wine world, Carlos Esteva continues to distinguish himself for his ample culture in the wine world – he has been appointed head of the prestigious International Academy of Wine for his capacity to diversify.

Not satisfied with having created some twenty vintages at Can Ràfols dels Caus –both wines and cavas– he has steered other projects such as Mas Oller in the Empordà and Can Camps a small estate that has the distinction of producing wine from vineyards located in the midst of the Natural Park of the Massís del Garraf.