Author: Gisela

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.

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.