Skip to main content

Author: Gisela

Alta Alella PB, now sealed with a cork stopper!

2025.03.18

At Alta Alella, we have always been committed to balancing tradition, innovation, and sustainability, crafting organic wines that truly express the essence of our terroir. In line with this philosophy, we’ve made an important decision: from now on, our flagship range will gradually transition to cork stoppers (micro-agglomerated to ensure the complete absence of TCA) with a wax drop, replacing the screw caps we’ve used until now. This change will be implemented progressively to avoid wasting existing materials.

This decision is based on the following factors:

  • Sustainability: Cork is a 100% natural material. Its production helps preserve cork oak forests and supports biodiversity, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
  • Consumer experience: Pulling a cork from a bottle is a ritual deeply rooted in winemaking tradition, creating a special moment. We want our customers to enjoy this experience and the meaning behind it.
  • Wine evolution: A cork stopper allows controlled micro-oxygenation, leading to a more refined and harmonious aging process. We believe this enhances the overall experience and ensures our wines fully express their terroir.
  • Premium positioning: This change not only elevates the perception of our wines but also makes them more accessible to high-end restaurants and establishments, where cork closures are often associated with quality and authenticity.

We’re confident that this step brings us even closer to our core values and the quality that has always defined us.

Buy it now!

Continue reading

Mireia Pujol-Busquets, featured in the article ‘Daughters of the Wineries’

2025.03

The report “Les filles dels cellers” (Daughters of the Wineries) by Cuina magazine presents nine young women, all under 40, who have decided to continue the family legacy in the world of wine. Journalist Margalida Ripoll describes how these young entrepreneurs, with great enthusiasm and a strong sense of responsibility, have faced the challenges of working in their family wineries, despite the difficulties of keeping the business alive in a sector full of obstacles.

Mireia Pujol-Busquets, director of Alta Alella Winery, highlights in her interview with Ripoll the importance of maintaining the family legacy: “The effort my parents made has been titanic,” and reaffirms her conviction to move forward in defending what her parents started.

In addition to their passion for the land and wine, these women “are aware of the major challenges ahead, such as climate change and shifts in the Catalan wine market,” writes Ripoll. Nevertheless, the protagonists of the report face these challenges with determination and optimism, and “are perfectly prepared to lead this path,” she assures.

Read the magazine

Continue reading

Honoring tradition by plowing with a horse

2025.03.04

At Alta Alella, we are embracing tradition by plowing with a horse our Paraje Calificado Vallcirera vineyard. In an era where technology and mechanization dominate, we have chosen to look back and revive this time-honored practice as part of our commitment to sustainable viticulture.

For centuries, horse plowing has been used in vineyards to cultivate the land in a gentler, more balanced way. Unlike heavy machinery, horses minimize soil compaction, preserving its natural structure and fostering a healthier ecosystem for essential microorganisms. This approach also invites a different way of working—one that requires patience, presence, and a deeper connection to the vineyard.

By aerating the soil, improving water absorption, and naturally managing competing weeds, horse plowing reduces the need for heavy machinery and fossil fuels. The result is more vibrant, fertile soil that enhances the authentic expression of our grapes.

As with any meaningful change, this transition takes time. We have begun with Paraje Vallcirera, where the terrain and conditions make it ideal for reintroducing this technique. From this vineyard come our Paraje Calificado cavas: Alta Alella Exeo and Alta Alella Opus—wines that reflect the purity and character of their origin.

Continue reading

New vintage, new name: Puput Pét-Nat 2024

2024.03.03

Our ancestral sparkling wine is back with a fresh vintage, and a new name. What was known as Aus Pét-Nat is now Puput Pét-Nat. With this change, our natural sparkling wine aligns even more with the identity of Celler de les Aus (meaning Bird’s Cellar), where every wine is named after a bird.

The puput (Upupa epops), with its terracotta-coloured plumage, distinctive crest, and graceful, undulating flight, is one of the most iconic birds of the Mediterranean. A tireless traveler, it typically arrives in February and departs in autumn—though with climate change, more and more of them are staying year-round. A free-spirited, vibrant bird, just like our Pét-Nat, which captures the essence of the land and expresses it without filters.

A wine true to its nature

Puput Pét-Nat remains the same ancestral sparkling wine, made with organic grapes and no added sulfites. It ferments spontaneously and is bottled before fermentation is complete, following the Ancestral Method. This process gives it a fresh, rustic, and lively character, with crisp bubbles and aromas of flowers, white fruit, and green almonds. Plus, it’s released unfiltered, preserving all its authenticity.

The 2024 vintage

After years of extreme drought, 2024 was a much-needed breath of fresh air for the vineyards. Well-timed rains, a warm summer, and cooler temperatures toward the end of the cycle led to balanced ripening, exceptional grape quality, and vibrant acidity—ideal for our Pét-Nat.

Now you can enjoy the new Puput Pét-Nat 2024, our Pansa Blanca ancestral, with a name that soars higher than ever!

Buy it now!

Continue reading

Alta Alella 10 2012 included in the prestigious World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection 2025

2025.02.26

We are excited to share that Alta Alella 10 2012, the signature cava from the Pujol-Busquets family, has been included in the exclusive World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection 2025. This prestigious international recognition highlights the most exceptional wines from around the world, chosen by some of the most influential sommeliers in the global culinary scene. As described by the organization, the list is more than just a selection of wines; it is “a carefully curated collection of wines that go beyond their exquisite flavours and aromas, delving into the rich narratives behind each bottle”.

Alta Alella 10 2012 is the only cava on the list, sitting alongside wines from world-renowned wineries like Ferrari Riserva Lunelli Trentodoc (Trentino-Alti Adige, Italy), el Jacquesson Cuvéé nº 747 (Champagne, France) o el Graham’s Vintage Port Library Release (Douro, Portugal).

The tasting panel is made up of 34 internationally renowned experts who work at some of the world’s finest restaurants, many of which are featured in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Among the panel members are Jhonel Faelnar, Committee President and Wine Director at Atomix (New York, 2 Michelin stars), Kistell Monot, Head Sommelier at Mugaritz (Gipuzkoa, 2 Michelin stars), Rodrigo Briseño, Head Sommelier at Disfrutar (Barcelona, 3 Michelin stars), André Bekker, Head Smmeliert at Frantzén (Stockholm, 3 Michelin stars), and many other respected professionals.

A decade of evolution

Alta Alella 10 2012 is a long-aged cava, with over 12 years of maturation, representing the epitome of patience and time in crafting high-quality sparkling wines. Organic, like all the wines and cavas from the winery, it’s made using the traditional method with a deep respect for the terroir. With the soul of a “Grand Vin,” this cava stands out for its structure, elegance, and complexity, qualities that have been praised by the sommeliers of the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection.

According to Josep Maria Pujol-Busquets, founder of Alta Alella, the cava’s unique character and ageing potential are the result of a combination of factors: the granitic Sauló soil, the mild Mediterranean climate near the vineyards (1,5km), and the intrinsic qualities of the grape variety.

A cava for fine gastronomy

Tasting notes describe Alta Alella 10 2012 as a vibrant, elegant cava with an expressive nose of citrus and yellow fruits, dried apricot, raisins, brioche and marzipan. On the palate, it is structured, generous, and tasty, with hints of nuts, toasted bread, and baking spices. Its fresh acidity and rounded creaminess create perfect balance, while a hint of saltiness at the finish makes it ideal to serve with food, according to the experts.

Sommeliers recommend it with dishes like “pan fried scallops, brown butter, cauliflower purée and toasted hazelnuts, or turbot with vin-Jaune sauce, or simply a selection of hard cheeses along with great homemade bread and salted butter”.

This recognition follows last year’s honor for Alta Alella Mirgin Exeo Evolució+ 2004, which was also selected for the 2024 World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection, further reinforcing the excellence of Alta Alella long-aged cavas on the global stage.

More information

Continue reading

Alta Alella 10 shines in the post-disgorgement ageing cava tasting at BWW

2025.02.13

At Barcelona Wine Week (BWW), DO Cava organized the master tasting “The Wonderful World of Long Ageing in Cava: How Post-Disgorgement Influences It”, led by two key figures in the industry: Carlos González, director of Guía Peñín, and Javier Luengo, its editor. The session explored the impact of post-disgorgement ageing on cava’s evolution and complexity, featuring some of the best examples of this ageing technique.

Amongst the wines tasted, our Alta Alella 10 collectible cava stood out with an exceptional score of 97 points for the bottle with the longest post-disgorgement ageing, and 95 points for the most recent disgorgement. Experts confirmed with this difference the theory that the longer the post-disgorgement ageing, the better the maturation, highlighting significant improvements in complexity and expressiveness. According to the panel, “it is not the oldest vintage, but it is the one that gives the greatest sensation of ageing, an ageing process that adds complexity and multiple layers, both in aroma and on the palate”. This highlights the vast potential of long-aged Cava beyond the traditional ageing on lees.

Having Alta Alella 10 featured in this tasting is a testament to its uniqueness and excellence, reinforcing our commitment to quality and the role of time in crafting sparkling wines with character and depth. Alta Alella 10 is the ‘Gran Vin’-inspired cava from the Pujol-Busquets family, a cava meant to be cherished, evolve over time, and enjoyed at its perfect moment.

Full article

Continue reading

Alta Alella Laietà: “Premium Catalan Sparkling Wine of the Year”

2025.02.06

We are proud to announce that our Alta Alella Laietà Gran Reserva 2019 cava has been awarded the Medal of Excellence in the prestigious Catalan Sparkling Special Report 2025, authored by wine writer Tom Hewson and published by renowned Master of Wine Tim Atkin.

Specifically, Alta Alella Laietà has been named “Premium Catalan Sparkling Wine of the Year”. There’s a zesty, citrus-bitter palate cut with sea-salt savour, never heavy yet energetic and harmonious. This doesn’t tire, but keeps offering complexity and charm. Brilliant“, describes Hewson. This is major achievement for the winery, taking it a step further after last year’s success, when Alta Alella Mirgin Reserva was recognized as “Entry-Level Catalan Sparkling Wine of the Year”.

Additionally, Alta Alella Mirgin Opus Paraje Calificado Vallcirera 2019 has received the highest score among all Paraje Calificado cavas in the report (Premium+), with 95 points. As Hewson states: “This is currently the most complete and complex of Cava’s Paraje Calificado wines. (…) genuine vivacity and lift that sets it in the very top echelon of the region’s wines”.

The Catalan Sparkling Special Report 2025 explores the evolution of Catalonia’s sparkling wines, highlighting their diversity and the changes in the sector. Through tastings, analysis, and interviews with winemakers, the report recognizes the best wines of the year and examines how the region is tackling the challenges of climate change.

Continue reading

2024 Recap: key moments and memories that made this year special

2024.12.31

This year 2024 has been an incredible journey, filled with emotions, lessons, and most importantly, moments shared with all Alta Alella and Celler de les Aus’ lovers. As we stand on the brink of a new year, we would like to raise a glass and toast to a 2025 brimming with happiness, a deep connection to nature, and countless reasons to celebrate each day.

Before we dive into the year ahead, we would like to take a moment to highlight some of the key moments and memories that made the past year special:

🌨️ Without a doubt, the highlight of the year has been the long-awaited return of the rains. After years of severe drought, they have brought renewed hope and strength to our vineyards. We shared more about this in our 2024 harvest recap.

🍇 This year, we celebrated 23 harvests at the winery with a very special event that brought together film, gastronomy, and wine, featuring selected vintages from the Pujol-Busquets family’s wine library.

🌱 We’ve made significant strides in our commitment to the Alella-Tiana wine region. In 2023, we announced the acquisition of additional hectares, and in 2024, we’ve focused on planting new vineyards. Stay tuned—more details are coming soon!

🤝 This year, Alta Alella joined the prestigious Grandes Pagos de España (GPE) association, which unites renowned wineries recognized for crafting wines in perfect harmony with their soil, nature, and the climate of their unique vineyards.

🏆 We’re thrilled and deeply grateful for the significant recognitions our wines and cavas have received this year. The most remarkable is the Alta Alella Mirgin Exeo Evolució+ 2004 cava, which earned the ‘Best in Show‘ medal at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards. Selected from over 18,000 wines from 57 countries, consolidating its position as one of the top 50 wines in the world.

🍾 We continue working toward more sustainable production and our goal of reducing our carbon footprint. One of the projects that has grown this year is the bottle reuse service with the start-up Pots, which we started working with in 2023. Exciting updates on this initiative are coming soon!

Thanks to all those who have been part of our story. From Alta Alella and Celler de les Aus, we will continue working to bring the best of our landscape and our passion.

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy 2025! 🍾

Continue reading

A perfect match for Christmas: Alta Alella Laietà Magnum

2024.12.10

What wine to open for Christmas? In her “all-purpose wines” list featured in Cocina Hola!, Laura S. Lara, journalist and sommelier, suggests the Alta Alella Laietà Magnum 2019 for the holidays.

She calls them “all-purpose wines” because of their ability to pair with a wide range of flavors. In the case of the Laietà, she highlights: “Its cosmopolitan and experienced character makes it perfect for special occasions like Christmas, which is why we recommend it in Magnum format”.

When it comes to pairing, S. Lara suggests seafood dishes: “A cava that enhances the marine flavors and boosts its freshness when paired with grilled seafood, especially prawns or scallops”.

Continue reading

Alta Alella Parvus Chardonnay, “a seamless dance between land and sea”

2024.12.08

mpar Moliner, periodista y columnista del Diari Ara, ha seleccionado el vino blanco ecológico Alta Alella Parvus Chardonnay en su sección especial “La tria de l’Empar” (“La elección de Empar”).

“El Parvus expresa el Mediterráneo, con el toque salino que te hace salivar en cuanto entra en la boca”, describe. Moliner resalta su capacidad para reflejar el terroir único de Alella, destacando la singularidad de los suelos de sauló y la influencia del mar. “Crea un baile armonioso entre la tierra y el mar”, concluye, capturando la perfecta conexión entre ambos elementos.

Descubre por qué Empar Moliner recomienda este vino para acompañar las celebraciones navideñas y qué más tiene que decir sobre su carácter y maridaje perfecto.

Leer artículo completo

Continue reading

ALTA ALELLA SL, as a company dedicated to the production of quality wines and sparkling wines, is committed to sustainability and has an Environmental Policy accessible to all interested parties, which can be requested by e-mail to info@altaalella.wine.
ALTA ALELLA © 2024

Welcome!

To visit our website,
please verify that you are
of legal drinking age
in your region/country
of residence.

Enjoy wine in moderation.