Ca N’Estruc
Muntanya de Montserrat, Catalonia, Spain
Francisco ‘Siscu’ Martí comes from a very long line of grape growers and winemakers which dates to the original founders of Ca N’Estruc in 1574. Until the 1960s, the traditional activity of the estate was agriculture and livestock. Its 40 hectares consisted of vineyards, cereals, fruit trees, olive trees and an orchard, which was combined with the breeding of farmyard animals, such as pigs, rabbits and chickens, among others. It was self-sufficient and also had an oil mill, an oven to make bread, presses and a cellar. Today, Ca N’Estruc consists of 22 hectares of estate vineyards, located at 165 meters above sea level. The vineyards enjoy a specific microclimate, sheltered from the cold winds of the north thanks to the natural barrier created by the mountain of Montserrat, just to the west of Barcelona in Catalunya. This protection allows enjoying cool summers and mild winters with an average annual temperature of 14.1ºC. The alluvial terrain, clayey-calcareous and gravelly soil, favors the quality of the grape with low yields. The plantations are perfectly oriented, from north to south, to optimize the use of the sun, studying the appropriate planting framework in each plot according to the variety. Siscu is also a partner in Uvas Felices, a well-known co-operative, and Vila Viniteca, a famous wine store and importer in the region. Siscu is assisted in the cellar by his daughter Mireia Viñals, who makes her own separate version of Ca N’Estruc. Since 2012, the Ca N’Estruc estate has been certified in organic agriculture and has been introducing biodynamic methods since 2019. Ca N’Estruc is the first winery registered in the DO Catalunya, created in 1999, heir to a winemaking tradition with more than 2000 years of history.
Our Selections
Ca N’Estruc Catalunya Blanc 2021
Ca N’Estruc Blanc is a hand-harvested white blend from 90% estate and 10% rented vineyards planted to clay, limestone and gravel soils located in the foothills of the Monserrat Mountains near Barcelona. The vineyards are maintained according to biodynamic principles. This lovely and lively white wine is a blend of 70% Xarel-lo, 15% Muscat, 10% Macabeu, and 5% Garnatxa Blanca. Each variety is fermented separately in stainless steel and blended prior to bottling. The native yeast fermentations are assisted by a pied de cuve. The resulting wine is fresh and lively, with a charming nose of white flowers, exotic fruits, and fresh limes. The palate is balanced with citrusy acidity, stone fruit, passion fruit, and an intriguing subtle note of aniseed. This is a great value wine that works well with a range of dishes.
11.8% alc | .3 g/l RS | 64mg SO2
Ca N’Estruc Catalunya Negre 2022
The Ca N’Estruc Negre is a lovely and drinkable red wine made from 50% estate fruit and 50% rented vineyards from vines planted on clay, limestone and gravel soils that range from 25-40 years in age. All vineyards are maintained according to biodynamic principles. This blend of 68% Garnatxa Negra, 15% Carinyena, and 17% Syrah is made from destemmed fruit fermented naturally in stainless steel tanks. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation but sees no oak aging. The aromatics are full of fresh red fruits such as currants and raspberries, mixed with wild Mediterranean herbs and a bit of black pepper. On the palate, the wine is textured and juicy, with notes of berries, licorice, and violets. Perfect for grilled dishes.
13.5% alc | 1 g/l RS | 91 mg SO2