Entre Vinyes, Funàmbul, Equilibri Natural, Brut Nature Reserva Cava, Catalunya, Spain

Entre Vinyes is a project created by Maria Barrena, one of the partners at Azul y Garanza, and her husband, Josep, a third generation grower in the Penedès. They have vineyards in and around the Foex natural park, at around 300-350 metres asl, close to the Mediterranean sea in the Baix Penedes area. 

Birds often feature on Entre Vinyes' labels, a symbol of both the natural life that thrives in vineyards farmed in an environmentally sensitive way, and of the balance they aim to achieve in their vineyards and in their wines. Funambul means tightrope walker. 

The grapes for this wine come primarily from a old vineyard called ‘La Baixada de les Bruixes’ (forest parcel, meaning ‘The Witch’s Path’) in the heart of the Baix Penedès region where the soils are generally very poor, leading to low yields but a great concentration in the grapes. These old bush vines are surrounded by a rich biodiversity, encouraging a natural balance in the vineyard that finds its way into the wines.

This cava was made according to the traditional method. The first fermentation lasts around 20 days in steel tanks using wild yeasts, all of the varieties are fermented separately in the autumn then blended early in the following year. The unfined and unfiltered wine is then given a long second fermentation in the bottle using organic and neutral yeasts. It then rests in silence and at stable temperatures in racks and on its lees for two years prior to disgorgement and final bottling. Minimal sulphite addition, and zero dosage.

Funambul Cava makes a great aperitif but is also wonderful to drink with food, the weight and complexity pairs well with all sorts of dishes but we do love it with fried foods, especially fish and chips (out of a cardboard box or paper, on the beach preferably!)

Producer - Entre Vinyes
Country - Spain
Region - Catalunya
Appellation - Penedes
Variety / Blend - Xarel-lo, Macabeo, Parellada
Wine Style - Sparkling Wine
Farming - Organic
Vegan

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