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91POINTS
16¾/20
Vardon Kennett Cuvee Esplendor Metode Tradicional 2013
SpainEsplendor by Vardon Kennett, the Torres family's first Catalan sparkling wine, is the best new sparkling wine I have tasted this year. With climate change a major issue for Miguel Torres, the family has launched Vardon Kennett, grown at 500 meters in the Alto Penedès, in search of preserving freshness and vitality. It’s made using the traditional method, blending pinot noir and chardonnay with a small percentage of Xarel·lo before spending 30 months in bottle. Mireia Torres Maczassek, fifth-generation winemaker, is the force behind Vardon Kennett and she has done a remarkable job of crafting an elegant, complex sparkling wine with ageing potential. The first vintage, 2013, was a cool year allowing the VK to undergo a complete malolactic fermentation. The primary ferment was done partially in barrels using indigenous yeasts. I love the mealy, leesy nose and creamy citrus flavours that run through the entire wine. A first-class sparkler that will avoid the Cava tag to make a quality statement. Fine Value. The winery is located at the Santa Margarida d'Agulladolç estate in the Alt Penedès. The story of Vardon Kennett as supplied by the Torres family follows: The son of a legendary family of maritime traders, Daniel Vardon Kennett was born on the island of Guernsey (English Channel) in 1781. One of his voyages brought him to Barcelona, where he was captivated by its wines and culture. So, he decided to embark on a new venture: selling and exporting local wines to England and St Peter Port (Guernsey). Years later, Vardon Kennett married the Barcelona-born María Francisca de Ferrer and began a new life amid the vineyards. He died at the age of 54 without leaving any heirs. He was laid to rest in the Romanesque chapel at Santa Margarida d'Agulladolç where his wife's last words to him are inscribed on a tombstone. The bottle design recalls Vardon Kennett's maritime background. The bottle has been exclusively cast to reveal curved lines and a surface texture reminiscent of waves. The label, with gold-edged black lettering, echoes the undulating shape of a shell, depicting the estate's original emblem, which is still visible on the main façade of the building. The winery where Esplendor is made respects the architectural integrity of the old buildings and their harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment.Tasted: 27 November 2017Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:| BC | $55.00 | 750ml | private wine shops |
Blend: Pinot Noir - Chardonnay - Xarel·loUPC: 8410113009456
