Bodega Huguet Can Feixes Penedès Blanc Selecció 2006

Produced primarily from the free run must of Parellada, with minor additions of Macabeo and Chardonnay, the 2006 Can Feixes Blanc Selecció is testimony to the magic of the fine, but relatively unknown Parellada grape. It is, also, an indication of the quality one can expect from the outstanding 2006 vintage. At Can Feixas the native Montonec (Parellada) produces very small, tight-bunched grapes of great structure and aroma. Consequently, the 2006 Blanc Selecció possesses an amplifying nose, comprised of the scents of pure mineral, gravel, citrus, and wild flowers. Long and textured in the mouth, the 2006 Can Feixes Blanc Selecció caresses the palate with luxuriant fruit and spice – without a hint of sweetness. Moreover, the wine ends with a dry, embracing finish that needs to be experienced to be described, as this wine is neither simple nor ordinary. Although beautifully wrought now, the 2006 Can Feixas Blanc Selecció will undoubtedly evolve for several more years in bottle. For this reason, we suggest that you allow this uncommon white wine breathe in the glass for a few minutes as you would a red wine, allowing the chill of the refrigerator to dissipate and the great texture of the wine to come forth. Enjoy!

The 2006 Can Feixas Blanc Selecció is both stylish and flavorful enough to hold up to a variety of foods. We can attest to its ability to accompany grilled salmon in a variety of ways, but most especially when served with asparagus, broccoli, wild mushrooms, and organic greens that have been lightly tossed in balsamic vinaigrette. A simple chicken and brown rice dish, with onion, carrot, zucchini and herbs makes another wonderful accompaniment to the Blanc Selecció. In fact, most fish and poultry will be right at home with this wine, as will many vegetarian selections. Sushi, sashimi, and tofu based dishes provide other wonderful companions for the 2006 Can Feixes Blanc Selecció. Interestingly, the only drawback to serving this wine seems to be its ability to disappear in a hurry, so if you open a bottle before a meal you will want to have another bottle on hand to accompany whatever you are serving.

The historic Can Feixes (pronounced can fay shess) estate is situated on gravelly slopes in a high mountain amphitheater, astride the famous Montserrat pinnacle in northern Penedès. This is the Penedès vineyard farthest from the Mediterranean, which means the climate at this estate is continental and drier that of the surrounding vineyards. The high altitude and austere mountain terrain of this rugged area of Catalonia constitute the tiny viticultural home of the native Parellada varietal, which locally is known as Montonec ("grape of the mountain"). This estate is also the home of some of the finest, most intense Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet, and Tempranillo (locally referred to as Ull de Llebre) in all of Catalonia, thanks to the vineyard's premier location and unique terroir. The Can Feixes estate dates back to 1400 with the arrival of Jaumes Feixes in the upper reaches of the Penedès. In addition, accurate historical records indicate that wine has been produced continuously at Can Feixes since at least 1690. Whether under the auspices of the Feixes family or the Huguet's, the present owners since the end of the 19th century, Can Feixes has always been considered the region's Grand Cru. Today, the vineyards at Can Feixes comprise nearly 300 acres planted primarily to Parellada, an indigenous white varietal, and small amounts of Macabeo and Chardonnay for producing first rate white wines. Tempranillo, Merlot, and Cabernet are responsible for the red wines. A small quantity of a special Gran Reserva Cava is also produced from traditional varietals. The estate's Blanc Selecció is Catalonia's benchmark for Parellada and the Can Feixes Chardonnay is considered by critics and popular acclaim to be one of the finest produced in all Spain. The Huguet brothers, Joan and Josep Maria handle all viticulture and enology respectively at their estate.