Since 2008 the old Brut de Brut, a Brut Nature Gran Reserva , has been renamed to reflect its origin. The 2008 Serral del Vell is named after the place (paraje) where the grapes are grown that make up the blend of 52% Xarello and 48% Macabeo. It also carries the new Paraje Calificado category. The soils are very rich in limestone, with 6% to 18% active limestone, depending on the specific area. The wine aged in bottle sur lie for no less than 103 months, eight years and seven months. It has a complex nose, with yeasty-leesy aromas and plenty of balsamic, fennel, bay leaf and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is compact and balanced, with great freshness and that signature bitterness of the Xarello. It has to be one of the finest vintages of this wine. 21,000 bottles produced. -Luis Gutierrez