JOAN RUBIÓ La Petita '24

JOAN RUBIÓ La Petita '24 is a charming, textured skin-contact white from Joan & Àngels Rubió at Celler Cal Tiques in the Penedès region of Catalonia, Spain.

This lively “little one” (La Petita) is a field-style blend dominated by Xarel·lo with Malvasía de Sitges and Sumoll Blanc (sometimes with small additions like Garnatxa Blanca depending on the vintage). The grapes come from organic and biodynamically farmed vineyards on calcareous clay soils in the Mediterranean climate of Els Monjos, Alt Penedès. Hand-harvested, the varieties undergo a gentle 6-day maceration on skins, followed by spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in a 1000L amphora and barrel. Aged briefly in the same vessels, it’s bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with minimal or no added sulfur — pure, living, and expressive.

Tasting Notes

It shows a beautiful hazy golden hue with aromas of citrus zest, dried pear, beeswax, Mediterranean herbs, and subtle floral and smoky notes. On the palate it’s medium-bodied with juicy apricot and lemon fruit, savory salinity, bright acidity, and a grippy yet elegant tannic structure from the skin contact. Refreshing, mineral-driven, and full of personality.