Raising a glass of Ops to Pablo Casals and to Autism Warriors

2007 Loxarel OPS Penedes, Spain (91 Points)

From our wine director, Francis Sanders

“Just in case you missed this gem during past holiday season, we’re featuring this bargain for the last time, while we still have adequate wine on hand to emphasize this Spanish envelope-pusher. The $14.99 07 Loxarel Ops, D, unfiltered, from the Penedes, hails from Spain’s spiritual and ancestral home of Cabernet Sauvignon, the land of Jean Leon and Miguel Torres. The wine’s model, named for the Roman goddess of plenty, appears to be the Super Tuscans - indigenous Tempranillo, blended with Bordeaux grapes - but at a fraction of the price. Obviously, the Cabernet component has the right pedigree, and Merlot also works well in Spanish Cabernet Central – think Bordeaux and California’s North Coast. Brawny yet appealing, licorice, leather, tobacco, smoke, berries, vanilla oak cry out for big Mediterranean dishes, or if you’re a carnivore like myself, steak and mushrooms on the grill. And for you green scorekeepers, how many wineries do you know of that use sheep to trim their vines?”

This is one of our March featured wines and it will knock your socks off.  It is an absolute steal for the price. I enjoyed Loxarel Ops with dear friends over Christmas dinner and everybody loved it. You get the quality without paying the high price tag of its neighbors in the Priorato appelation.

Granted that I may be slightly partial to this wine because it is from my native land in Catalonia 2007 Loxarel Ops (you say “ch” for the “x” in Catalan) comes from a small winery located in Alto Penedès (versus Bajo Penedès) a gentle rolling countryside where the rows of the vineyards are interrupted only by the scattered villages and medieval architecture. 

The lower part of the region, called "Bajo Penedès" is better known for its Cavas (sparkling wines made either with the method champenoise or the Charmat method) and also the native land of famous cellist and pacifist, Pablo Casals. 

Raising a glass of Ops (aka "hopes" pronounced with a thick French accent) to Pablo Casals’ fight for freedom, genius musical talent and to Autism Warriors.

WINES FOR AUTISM GIVES ONE THIRD OF ITS GROSS PROFITS FROM EACH SALE TO THE ORGANIZATION OF YOUR CHOICE FROM AMONG OUR CHARITY PARTNERS.

For delivery in time for Easter, order by 03/27/2010.