Wine Maker Notes Harvest is done by hand, starting at the end of August with Macabeo, and ends at the beginning of October with Parellada. The first fermentation is done in stainless steel tanks, at controlled temperatures between 57°- 60°F. Into these tanks we introduce the fermentation yeasts, which come exclusively from our own Freixenet cultures, and the first fermentation begins. This fermentation lasts between 10 and 12 days, and once it is complete the wine is racked and clarified and the blend is prepared ready for bottling, and a secondary fermentation is begun in the bottle. Cordon Negro is aged for up to 18 months in a cave.

Technical Notes The grape varieties used in the creation of the base wine for this Cavaare Macabeo (35%), Xarel-lo (25%) and Parellada (40%). Macabeo produces a fairly light but fruity, aromatic wine of medium-high acidity – characteristics crucial to the production of sparkling wine. It is also an important grape in the aging process because its must does not readily oxidize. Xarel-lo yields a robust, high-acid wine and contributes power and depth. Parellada is the star of all cava blends. It has both beautiful demonstrative fruit and finesse.