The Josep Valls is crafted from a carefully assembled blend of estate-grown Xarel·lo and Chardonnay, two structured, high-acid varieties built for the long haul, with small contributions from Macabeo and Parellada. The grapes are harvested in the early morning hours to preserve every drop of freshness and aromatic intensity, then gently pressed at low pressure and cold fermented to protect their varietal character. What sets this Cava apart is what happens next: the wine undergoes its second fermentation and ages on its lees for a minimum of 30 months in cellars carved 100 feet underground, where a constant temperature of 14°C creates the ideal conditions for slow, patient development. The riddling is performed entirely by hand. Gran Reservas are only disgorged to order, ensuring that every bottle you open is at its absolute peak.

The Josep Valls pours a luminous pale yellow with glimmering golden highlights and a steady, elegant stream of impossibly fine bubbles that gather into a delicate crown at the surface. The nose is rich and complex, ripe stone fruit and orchard apples give way to an exotic, tropical undercurrent, layered over a warm, toasty foundation of fresh-baked brioche, pastry cream, roasted almonds, and dried flowers that speak directly to the long lees aging. On the palate it is broad, voluminous, and creamy, with vibrant acidity threading through every sip and keeping the wine lively and precise. Flavors of spiced baked apple, lemon curd, dried fruit, and honeyed almond play off a chalky mineral backbone that grounds everything beautifully. The finish is exceptionally long and elegant, fading slowly with a refined, creamy persistence and a whisper of toasted bread that lingers well after the last sip. Consistently scoring in the 90-91 point range from major critics, this is a Cava that punches well above its price point and rivals many prestige Champagnes for complexity and finesse.

Roger Goulart Gran Reserva Josep Valls Notes To Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Luminous pale yellow with golden highlights and fine, persistent bubbles
• AROMA: Ripe stone fruit, baked apple, toasted brioche, pastry cream, roasted almond, and dried flowers
• TASTE: Broad and creamy with baked apple, lemon curd, dried fruit, almond, and chalky mineral backbone
• FINISH: Exceptionally long and elegant with lingering brioche and creamy persistence
• ABV: 11.5%