Region: Penedès, Spain

Varietal: 60% Muscat de Frontignan, 25% Macabeo, 15% Xarel·lo

Producer: Avinyó is a family-run estate in Penedès (Catalonia) under the Esteve-Nadal family, with roots reaching back several generations. What began as standard vineyard work evolved into a standout philosophy of organic farming, low intervention, and an embrace of styles that reflect both tradition and playfulness. Their Petillant “Vi d’Agulla” is a festive expression of that spirit—a wine meant for light moments, social tables, and discovery. It shows how Avinyó doesn’t just make Cava and reserva wines, but also wines that lean sparkly and fresh, capturing youthful energy and vineyard personality.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The 2024 “Petillant” blend comes from estate vineyards, notably Finca La Guardia (where Muscat de Frontignan vines planted in 2003 grow in stony, calcareous-clay soils at ~350m elevation), and Finca Can Fontanals, with older plantings of Macabeo and Xarel-lo. Farming is organic; grapes are harvested at night to preserve aromatics, very gently pressed, and fermented using native yeasts in stainless steel at cool temperatures. After primary fermentation, a secondary fermentation is induced (sparingly) to retain just a whisper of effervescence—producing a lightly prickly wine rather than fully sparkling. The wine is bottled under screw cap, embracing freshness and transparency over heavy manipulation.

Tasting Notes: Bright and fizzy in the glass, the 2024 Petillant greets you with floral lift—honeysuckle and white peach—followed by crisp citrus notes of lime zest and yellow cherry. There’s a subtle mineral edge, and a touch of gooseberry, that keeps things lively. The palate is light, vibrant, and energetic: soft bubbles dance with juicy fruit and high acidity, finishing clean with a slate-like minerality. Perfect for warm moments, casual grazing, or whenever you want something sparkling that doesn’t demand pomp and ceremony.