Segura Viudas Heredad Reserva Brut Cava (Spain) - Wine Review (Feb. 2023)

Tonight's sparkling wine review is a lovely bubbly that I've had the pleasure of tasting on several occasions in the past and recently returned to the LCBO as part of the January 21 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Segura Viudas, an iconic boutique winery located just outside of Barcelona, Spain, in the sunny, ancient wine region of Penedès. They are situated in a beautiful stone manor house whose origins can be traced back to the 11th century, the time of the Iberian Crusades. This stone manor house has assumed many identities over the years such as embattled fortress, farmhouse, flour mill, family residence, and most recently, a boutique winery.

The land initially belonged to the Monastery of Sant Cugat, the most important monastery in the county of Barcelona, until the abbey ceded the land to one, Gerard Alemany. He constructed the first building on the land, originally as a defensive tower and having been through battles, the scars and bullet holes can be seen on the walls today.

New buildings were added in the 12th century to convert the fortress to a working farmhouse with grains and cereals grown on the estate. Grapes were also cultivated on the estate with native vines criss-crossing its steep hills and swampy riverbanks. In 1156, the building itself was referred to as Domus de Reÿm - The House of Grapes.

Fast forwarding to modern history into the mid-20th century, Cava became recognized as a revolution in the world of "Champagne" and grew to become an international reference of sparkling wine in its own right as it was recognized for its quality and diversity. At this time, the farmhouse and estate of Can Esbert de Raïm were bought by the Segura brothers in the 1950s. The Segura brothers invested in new caves and built new wineries with the latest machinery installed. They began producing their own Cava and in 1969 they proudly launched the iconic Segura Viudas Heredad premium Cava.

Today, their philosophy begins with sensitive farming. They study, understand, and promote biodiversity of the ecosystem around the Heredad. They also respect and preserve the environment, while also remaining in harmony with it. Segura Viudas is certified sustainable under the Wineries for Climate Protection (WFCP) certification.

This Brut Reserva Heredad Cava is the brand's icon wine and impressively packaged as such with its distinctive pewter badge and base. It is crafted with 75% Macabeo and 25% Chardonnay grapes which were handpicked from old vine vineyards and transported to the winery in self-draining plastic boxes to prevent grape damage which could lead to oxidized juice and loss of freshness. The first fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled low temperature to retain the primary aromas of the grapes. The final blend is composed of nine different wines, each one vinified separately, and the magic of this blend is in ensuring that each wine lends its own touch of character to the whole. As Macabeo is the dominant grape in this wine, it contributes acidity, freshness, and allows the wine to age well during the 24 months (or more) that it will be in contact with the lees. Both the first and the second fermentations were carried out using their own selected yeast strains. Before disgorgement, each bottle is given a last sharp shake, or twist of the wrist, known as a "poignettage", which lifts the yeast cells from the side of the bottle and mixes them once more with the wine, thus intensifying the element of autolysis. Riddling (or turning) of all the bottles are done by hand and in pupitres, and a dosage of 9 g/L sugar is added to optimize the wine's versatility.

Having enjoying this sparkling wine previously, let's see how the latest edition of this Cava from Spain is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

SEGURA VIUDAS HEREDAD RESERVA BRUT CAVA - Traditional method, DO, Spain (#558825) (D) - $39.95
Crafted with 75% Macabeo and 25% Chardonnay, the medium+ to medium-high intensity nose offers pretty biscuit, lemon, white floral, pear, and leesy aromas. It has good weight on the crisp, medium-full bodied palate with flavours of lemon citrus, pear, biscuit, floral, and leesy replays with just a pinch of pleasant sweetness. It has crisp, refreshing acidity and fine, persistent bubbles. Long and succulent on the crisp finish with leesy mineral, floral, and lemony notes. Delicious and will keep you coming back for another sip. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely Cava sparkling wines by Segura Viudas are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.