Recaredo Homenatge a Josep Mata Capellades 2004 Sparkling Wine

In 2024 Recaredo celebrated its 100th anniversary. The company began its journey in 1924 when Josep Mata Capellades took his first steps into sparkling wine as ”an apprentice bottle remover and disgorger in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia.”

To mark the occasion, the winery has released a limited edition of 2,859 bottles under the founder's name. The wine selected is the 2004 Reserva Particular, one of Recaredo’s most remarkable vintages.

The original bottling was released after 108 months of ageing and was, in fact, one of our recommendations for the 2014 Christmas season. At the time, it was sold as a cava, priced between €42 and €45. In 2020, it re-emerged as an Enoteca, this time under the Corpinnat label - it was released after 15 years of ageing and sold for €145. In its third phase, as Homenatge a Josep Mata Capellades, it has been released after 224 months of ageing with a price tag of €275.

The 2004 vintage was shaped by a wetter than usual year, followed by a dry summer that pushed the harvest into the second half of September. The blend is dominated by Macabeo (67%) and the rest is 33% Xarel.lo. In line with the winery\'s tradition, the Xarel.lo was fermented in oak, the wine was aged with a cork stopper and disgorged by hand in January this year.

The age is evident in the deep golden colour, but the nose remains in good shape, offering aromas of dried Mediterranean herbs (almost liqueur-like), toasted and nutty notes and a slightly chalky background. The palate begins full and rich, evolving into a refined texture with a lush mouthfeel. The Brut Nature’s dry style is perfectly balanced by a lingering nutty finish and hints of Mediterranean undergrowth. It has the length of a truly great sparkling wine.
With these attributes and the history behind it, this sparkling wine will shine on any table that can afford it. Its structure and depth make it ideal for pairing with a main course. We can only dream of having all three 2004s on our table, each with its respective disgorgement date. This privilege is probably reserved for the Recaredo family or the most dedicated collectors of the brand.

Score: 96