Maria Rigol Ordi 2024 Vinya Llarga Xarello 750ml

Vinya Llarga 2024 is a new single vineyard xarel·lo from Maria Rigol Ordi, in Penedès, Spain. It marks the cava producer's move into still wines, and what a move it is. The 24 year old fruit is farmed organically at Llarga Vineyard in Sant Martí Sarroca and is fermented and aged in an equal split of stainless steel and 500L amphorae, on its lees for six months. The nose is a sommelier's delight, with citrus, green apples, fennel, and saline minerality. At the same time, the palate is awash in phenolics, pears, and a texture that takes it to another level. If you are unaware of xarel·lo or only know it from sparkling wines, this is an eye opener and a vision for the future of Spanish still white wines.

Score: 92 points -- Anthony Gismondi on Wine, June 2026