Winemaker Notes
Can Sumoi is the newest project from Pepe Raventós and Francesc Escala - a found treasure in the mountains of the Baix Penedès where they realize their vision and dreams in the remarkable landscape and passion for natural wines. Can Sumoi is an agricultural farm dating to 1645, located in Massís del Montmell, 600 meters above sea level. The estate has 400 hectares of land of which 30 are vineyards planted with Parellada, Xarel.lo and Sumoll; the rest is forest of oak, white pines, tall oaks and old stone walls that surround the winery and three farmhouses from the end of the 17th century, where wine used to be made.
A superior source of white grapes for the production of Spain’s prized sparkling wine, Cava, the Penedes region is part of Catalunya and sits just south of Barcelona. Medio Penedès is the most productive source of the Cava grapes, Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. Penedes also grows Garnacha and Tempranillo (here called Ull de Llebre in Catalan), for high quality reds and rosès.
With hundreds of white grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended white wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used in white wine blends, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a variety that creates a soft and full-bodied white wine blend, like Chardonnay, would do well combined with one that is more fragrant and naturally high in acidity. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.