Can Sumoi is the project of Pepe Raventós – ‘one of the most interesting (and divisive) figures in Spanish wine’ (Decanter) – and his childhood friend, Francesc Escala. Their focus is on native Penedès varieties, expressed with purity and precision. From their latest arrivals come three wines that deserve a spot on every table this summer.
The Xarel·lo 2024 is stupendous! It’s a great representation of the region’s signature white variety, made from vines up to 85 years old and the consistent bestseller in the range. The intricacy and intensity here are captivating. A chalky Chardonnay-like texture and crushed rock minerality frame poised, savoury fruit and freshness reminiscent of Chenin, enhanced by a touch of Mediterranean herbs and nuttiness.
The Garnatxa Blanca 2024 is bright and alluring, showing honeysuckle, grapefruit, ripe pear skin and white peach. A zesty, silky finish adds to the moreish nature of the wine. The beautiful pale-pink La Rosa 2024 is Provençale in style. It’s a long, ‘distinctive and characterful’ (Vinous) blend of the red grape Sumoll and the local white grape Xarel·lo.
The Raventós family are leading viticulturists in the region, with a vine-growing history stretching back to 1497. Representing the 21st generation, Pepe releases low-intervention, characterful wines from high-altitude terroir through Can Sumoi. His unwavering commitment to sustainable, first-rate viticulture is reflected in the quality and international acclaim of his wines – if you haven’t tried them yet, this is a compelling place to start.
Tasting Notes:
‘The 2024 Xarel·lo from Montmell Mountains in Penedès, Catalunya, sees 20% of the wine aged in concrete. Delicate on the nose, it offers notes of stewed apple and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is fresh and textured with a chalky edge and a lingering hint of soft herbs on the finish.’ – Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous, 92/100
‘White pepper and chalk dust with a grassy lift to the nose. A wine that tastes like green light, mountain water, lime and rock pools. Light sense of crushed-rocks-dust texture on the mid palate. The acidity has a soft, cirrus quality and yet the wine has a taut citrus finish and feels somehow fresh and cleansing, like a gulp of crystal-clear stream water on a hot day. Good with simply steamed asparagus.’ – Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com, 16.5/20
Can Sumoi Garnatxa Blanca 2024
‘The 2024 Garnatxa Blanca from Montmell Mountains in Penedès, Catalunya, opens with restrained aromas of pear and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is moderately fresh and slightly creamy, reflecting the hot, dry vintage. A touch of bitterness and a hint of alcohol lend structure and length.’ – Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, 90/100
‘The 2024 La Rosa, a blend of 60% Sumoll and 40% Xarel·lo from Montmell Mountains in Penedès, Catalunya, presents delicate notes of rose and red fruit. On the palate, it is a more serious Rosé, combining elevated freshness and a smooth, supple texture with a touch of weight. It is balanced and refined.’ – Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, 91/100
‘The 2024 La Rosa from Penedès is a distinctive and characterful Rosé, likely due in large part to its unique blend of 60% Sumoll and 40% Xarel-lo. Spice-forward and slightly oxidative in style, the La Rosa presents vermouth-like notes of nuts, herbs and spices in an attractively phenolic package. This sits in its own lane, and I quite like it for that.’ – Billy Norris, Vinous, 90/100
