Author: Gisela

Alta Alella – viticultura regenerativa i cura del sòl a la vinya, viticultura regenerativa y cuidado del suelo en el viñedo, regenerative viticulture and soil care in the vineyard

Alta Alella strengthens its commitment to regenerative viticulture

Written by Gisela on 2025/08/20. Posted in Sustainability.

2025.08.18

Members of our vineyard, technical and management teams recently joined a specialized course to deepen their knowledge of soil care and ecosystem preservation in Alta Alella’s vineyards.

For more than three decades, Alta Alella has embraced a sustainable philosophy based on respect for the land. From the very beginning, we committed to organic farming and a style of viticulture that places soil health and ecosystem balance at the heart of wine quality and the winery’s future. In line with this vision, our team attended the course “Regenerative agriculture applied to the vineyard”, organized by the Escola Agrària de Cabrils, to further explore this approach.

What is regenerative viticulture?

Regenerative agriculture is rooted in restoring life to the soil, rather than focusing solely on vine production. This vision is fully aligned with the practices we have long implemented on the estate: maintaining spontaneous cover crops, integrating forests, shrubs and aromatic plants into the vineyard landscape, avoiding insecticides (even those approved for organics), and introducing beneficial fungi mycorrhizae in new plantations to help roots grow stronger and absorb more nutrients.

Nematodes agricultura regenerativa, regenerative viticulture

Photo showing nematodes in the soil of our estate

The course reinforced our understanding of the importance of soil biodiversity, especially beneficial fungi and their mycelium, which transform organic matter into nutrients for the vines. Microbiological analysis of our sauló soil revealed a hidden universe of organisms such as nematodes, protozoa and soil insects, all working together to maintain fertility and balance.

One of the sessions was held at Alta Alella, where we welcomed professionals from across the sector to study the macrofauna and soil structure of our vineyards. The hands-on activity revealed positive indicators such as insects, beetles and earthworms, clear signs of biological activity. The analysis also highlighted the uniqueness of our sauló terroir and the importance of continuing to nurture its organic matter.

insectes agricultura regenerativa, insects in Alta Alella regenerative viticulture

Photo of insects in the Alta Alella vineyards

This training encourages us to keep evolving with concrete actions towards a more conscious form of viticulture, one that remains deeply connected to the soil. It is another step in our ongoing commitment to respect the land, listen to its needs and preserve the identity of the territory that defines us.

Etiris PB i Etiris GX, vi ecològic d'Alta Alella, organic wine, vino ecológico

Introducing Etiris, the new identity for our most emblematic single-varietal wines

Written by Gisela on 2025/08/07. Posted in Wines & Cavas.

2025.08.07

At Alta Alella, we are starting a new chapter for our entry-level single-varietal wines, previously known as Alta Alella PB (Pansa Blanca) and Alta Alella GX (Grenache). Gradually, over the coming months, both wines will be released with new labels and new names: Etiris PB and Etiris GX, respectively.

The name Etiris is inspired by the Latin word iris, meaning rainbow — arc de Sant Martí in Catalan. It’s a name that connects with nature while also establishing an emotional link with the winery’s third generation, as Martí is the name of one of Mireia Pujol-Busquets’ children. The name remains consistent with the rest of the winery’s range of wines and cavas, which draw on Latin terms that connect with origin, craftsmanship, and nature.

A fresh look, the same essence

This name change reflects our desire to give these wines their own identity, beyond the winery’s name. A name that allows clear and distinct identification, while preserving their essence: organic and honest wines that express the varietal character and unique terroir of the DO Alella apellation, with vines planted on the sauló soil next to the Mediterranean Sea.

This change does not affect the winemaking process or our commitment to quality. Etiris PB and Etiris GX will continue to faithfully reflect each vintage and the identity of our territory, maintaining the fresh, straightforward, and food-friendly character that has made them household benchmarks.

Verema 2025 Alta Alella DO Cava DO Alella. Cava ecològic i vi ecològic

First grapes in the cellar: kicking off a promising 2025 harvest

Written by Gisela on 2025/08/06. Posted in Winery.

2025.08.05

The 2025 harvest has officially begun at Art Laietà d’Alta Alella. On Monday, August 4th, we started picking grapes from our youngest vineyards, planted over the past three years as part of our continued commitment to the land. These new vines are starting to produce their first small yields, and we harvest them early to relieve the load, helping the plants focus on growth and long-term balance. As always, we harvest by hand, carefully selecting each bunch to preserve the maximum quality.

An exceptional vintage

After several years of drought, spring rains this year brought much-needed relief to the vineyard, restoring balance and vitality. The early summer heat led to slightly faster ripening, while late July rains along with some isolated hail damage required close attention in certain plots. Even so, the vines have remained in excellent health. At this point, we can say that the 2025 harvest is shaping up to be an outstanding one, with exceptional quality and a generous yield.

We now hope for warm, dry weather in the coming weeks to support balanced ripening and an ideal end to the growing season.

The harvest is more than just a key moment in the cellar. It’s the culmination of a year of close observation, care, and dialogue with the vines. No two vintages are ever the same, and that’s what makes each one so special and what drives us: capturing the unique expression of each growing season in a bottle, and crafting wines and cavas that reflect the singular identity of our Mediterranean landscape.

Alta Alella Mejor Iniciativa Joven Premios BBVA a los Mejores Productores Sostenibles

Alta Alella recognised Best Youth Initiative at the ‘BBVA Awards for the Best Sustainable Producers’

Written by Gisela on 2025/06/12. Posted in Awards, Winery.

2025.06.11

Alta Alella has been honored with the BBVA Award for Best Youth Initiative at the 6th edition of the BBVA Awards for the Best Sustainable Producers. The award recognizes the winery’s pioneering work in crafting natural wines without added sulphites, with the Bruant 2022 cava standing out as a flagship of this commitment.

Celler de les Aus, founded in 2012 by Mireia Pujol-Busquets, is the most radical expression of Alta Alella. Specializing in natural wines without added sulphites, this project was born with the aim of taking organic viticulture one step further. Bruant was the first cava in Spain produced without added sulfites using ancestral-style winemaking (first released in 2006). Twenty harvests later, it remains a pure expression of the terroir, the vintage, and a deep commitment to the nature.

“Celler de les Aus was born from a deeply personal drive: to prove that high-quality natural wines can be made, without make-up and with a clear identity,” explains Mireia Pujol-Busquets, Deputy Director and second generation at Alta Alella. “Awards like these, which give a voice to rural communities and recognize projects committed to their land, truly inspire us and give us strength to continue working with consistency and conviction.”

Besides being a benchmark in organic farming and sulphite-free winemaking, the jury also highlighted other initiatives that reinforce Alta Alella’s sustainable approach: participation in research projects to develop climate-resistant grape varieties, a circular economy policy through bottle reuse, a commitment to renewable energy, and responsible wine tourism connected to the territory.

For Alta Alella, this award is a great satisfaction and a motivation to continue shaping the future of the sector with a fresh, sustainable, and committed vision.

Organic wine no added sulphites Alta Alella and Celler de les Aus / vi ecològic i sense sulfits / Vino ecológico y sin sulfitos, DO Alella

Six Alta Alella and Celler de les Aus wines score over 90 points in Wine Enthusiast

Written by Gisela on 2025/06/01. Posted in Awards, Media.

2025.06.01

The prestigious American magazine Wine Enthusiast has recognized six wines from Alta Alella and Celler de les Aus in its June–July 2025 issue, awarding them scores above 90 points. An acknowledgment that reinforces our vision of winemaking: organic, honest wines with a genuine sense of place, shaped by Sauló soils, proximity to the sea, and minimal intervention in the cellar.

Alta Alella wines – organic

Alta Alella PB 2023– 91 points
Critic Elaine Chukan Brown describes this 100% Pansa Blanca as a wine that “delivers the freshness, subtlety and enticing potential of Xarel·lo with notes of crisp apple, celery leaf, and a lengthy, sea fresh finish”. A review that highlights the authenticity of Pansa Blanca, the historic and autochthonous variety of the DO Alella.

Alta Alella GX Rosé 2023 – 91 points
Our rosé, made from red and hairy Grenache, also stood out for its singularity. Brown calls it “sea fresh, mineral, mouthwatering while also swirling with flavor: melon and mango, white herbs and stone fruits refresh through a crisp finish.” A delicate and vibrant Mediterranean take on Garnacha.

Alta Alella GX 2023 – 90 points
Our red Grenache received 90 points for being “juicy, fresh and mouthwatering, this flavorful and friendly red delivers flavors of red plum, mixed berries, fennel, and a touch of sweet vanilla,” according to Brown.

Celler de les Aus wines – organic and no-added sulphites

Tallarol 2022 – 92 points
Tallarol is a 100% Pansa Blanca fermented and aged for 6 months in concrete eggs (Oeuf de Beaune). Brown describes it as “bright, palate cleansing and intriguing. This still Xarel·lo from Catalonia relies on a lighter touch to the winemaking. The result brings together crisp apple, pithy citrus, and a pleasantly bitter herb note that are refreshing with the lightest tannic edge and a long sea-fresh finish.”

Orange 2022 – 91 points
Made from Pansa Blanca and the rare Pansa Rosada, this wine is described as “mouthwatering and intriguing”. “Apricot and gold in the glass, aromatic and fulsome. This distinctive wine brings together aromatic verve and unctuous mouthfeel with lightly palate cleansing tannin plus flavors of sweet citrus and celery salt”, adds Brown.

Merla 2022 – 91 points
Finally, our radical red: “Mouthwatering, juicy, and refreshing, this flavorful red combines black fruits and integrated spices, with mouthwatering acidity for an approachable, delicious wine,” writes Brown about this 100% Mataró (mourvèdre).

These ratings reward our ongoing commitment to respectful winemaking, with the goal of capturing the essence of the landscape in every bottle.

Celler Alta Alella, visita i degustació de vi a Barcelona / Bodega Alta Alella, visita y degustación de vino en Barcelona / Alta Alella Winery, wine tour and tasting in Barcelona

8 key moments of the grape you’ll witness in the vineyard

Written by Gisela on 2025/05/15. Posted in Winery.

2025.05.15

Throughout the year, the vineyard undergoes a fascinating and cyclical transformation that completely changes both the landscape and the vine itself. Each season paints a different picture, but it’s between spring and the harvest, in late summer, when the vine most vividly reveals its evolution: it buds, blossoms, sets fruit, and nurtures each grape until it reaches perfect ripeness. This is also when we get to see the true star of winemaking up close — the grape.

If you visit us in spring or summer, you’ll witness some of the most magical moments in the vine’s life cycle in a privileged spot: among vineyards planted in Sauló soil and overlooking the sea. A wine tourism experience near Barcelona that connects nature, terroir, and wine culture.

Closed flowers
As spring arrives, the dormant winter buds awaken and begin to grow. The first leaves appear, and tiny flower clusters start to form — the early promise of what will become full grape bunches.
Flowering
With warmer weather, the buds open into delicate flowers. It’s a fragile moment: the vine needs calm, stable conditions to ensure successful pollination.
Fruit Set
Once the flowers are pollinated, they turn into tiny berries. This stage, known as fruit set, determines how many grapes each cluster will carry — and ultimately, the potential of the harvest.
Berries pea-size
The berries grow rapidly, reaching the size of a pea. At this point, they’re still firm and bright green. The vine channels its energy into helping the fruit develop properly.
Bunch Closure
The grapes continue to grow, and the bunches take on their familiar shape — still green and tightly packed. The vine is now balancing vigorous growth with fruit development.
Veraison
Around mid-summer, the grapes begin to change color — red varieties turn purple or blue, while white grapes shift to golden hues. This change, called veraison, marks the start of the ripening process.
Berry ripening
The grapes soften and develop their final balance of sugars, acidity, aromas, and flavors. When they reach the ideal moment, we begin harvesting — always by hand, and selecting the grapes.
Harvest
Harvest is the culmination of the year’s work. Once the grapes have reached their ideal ripeness according to the wine we aim to produce, they are hand-picked into small boxes, plot by plot, to preserve their quality and expression. Each harvest marks the start of a unique wine or cava — a true reflection of its origin and its year.

Come and experience this magical moment in the vineyard!
Book your visit and witness the grape’s transformation — a natural spectacle that only spring and summer can offer. We look forward to welcoming you to Alta Alella for an unforgettable experience.

Book your visit

DO Cava ecològic Alta Alella, Elaborador Integral, Paratge Qualificat a 3Cat

Alta Alella featured in 3Cat’s 30 minuts documentary “Cava, the Burst of Bubbles”

Written by Gisela on 2025/05/12. Posted in Media.

2025.05.12

The acclaimed Catalan TV program 30 minuts has aired a special documentary exploring the world of sparkling wines in Catalonia, where Alta Alella is featured as a key reference for the Serra de Mar subzone within the DO Cava.

As Integral Producer and an organic winery from the very beginning, at Alta Alella we are committed to crafting cavas that genuinely reflect the territory and its uniqueness — with the Sauló soil and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea playing a central role.

The documentary highlights our dedication to quality, sustainability, and extended aging, as producers of Cava de Paraje Calificado and Cava de Guarda Superior. Wines that express the complexity and elegance of each vintage, the character of the terroir, and the people behind the wine.

Josep Maria Pujol-Busquets, founder of Alta Alella, shares his thoughts in the interview: “Cava has started down a very important path of differentiation. And it will become clear that cava is truly a remarkable product that should allow for an increase in price. But what really matters is achieving a retail price for cava that allows everyone in the value chain to make a living. That means the grower makes a living, the producer makes a living, the distributor makes a living, the restaurateur makes a living. Right now, in the case of higher-volume products, that simply isn’t happening.”

Watch the documentary

Alta Alella PB, now sealed with a cork stopper!

Written by Gisela on 2025/03/18. Posted in Wines & Cavas.

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!

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

Written by Gisela on 2025/03/08. Posted in Media.

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

Cavas ecológicos de larga crianza Alta Alella reconocidos por Vivir el Vino / Caves ecològics de llarga criança d’Alta Alella reconeguts per Vivir el Vino / Alta Alella long-aged organic cavas featured in Vivir el Vino

Alta Alella, a benchmark in long-aged sparkling wines

Written by Gisela on 2025/03/06. Posted in Media.

2025.03.06

Alta Alella’s long-aged organic cavas have taken center stage in the article “Aged Wines, the Legend of Time”, published by Vivir el Vino, one of Spain’s leading wine magazines. The feature, written by Vanesa Viñolo, highlights the ability of sparkling wines to evolve over time, gaining complexity, elegance and depth—and showcases two of our most iconic cavas as prime examples.

The two featured wines are true collector’s gems from the Pujol-Busquets family: Alta Alella Mirgin Exeo Evolució+ 2004 and Alta Alella 10 Gran Reserva 2012, both representing our commitment to extended aging and the pure expression of terroir. In the words of Mireia Pujol-Busquets, second generation of the family: “These cavas break the myth that sparkling wines should be consumed young, showing how they can develop complexity and elegance over the years.”

Alta Alella 10 Gran Reserva 2012 was named Best Sparkling Wine (Magnífico Espumoso) 2024 by the Vivir el Vino Guide, cementing its prestige within the Spanish wine scene.

Organic cavas with long aging and a unique character

With organic vineyards nestled in the heart of the Serralada de Marina Natural Park and the distinctive sauló soil—offering exceptional natural acidity—Alta Alella continues to prove that artisanal winemaking and environmental respect can produce cavas with remarkable aging potential and unmistakable personality.

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Author: Gisela

Organic cavas with long aging and a unique character

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