Why it matters
The producer
Labels are still applied and numbered by hand at L'Olivera. The cooperative works its vineyards and olive groves manually, grows grapes and olives, and makes organic wine and oil. Social inclusion has been part of the project from its beginning, particularly for people with disabilities and people in disadvantaged situations.
L'Olivera works across two landscapes. Vallbona de les Monges is the rural setting, while Can Calopa farmhouse lies in Barcelona's Collserola Natural Park. The project joins agricultural work with a social initiative, keeping both activities inside the same cooperative.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The Vallbona vineyards belong to the Corb River Valley subzone of the Costers del Segre designation. Most of the grapes come from L'Olivera's own estates, with the remainder supplied by neighbouring winegrowing families.
The project also operates at Can Calopa farmhouse in Barcelona's Collserola Natural Park. The two settings place the cooperative between inland Catalan dry farming and a vineyard landscape within Barcelona.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
Most grapes are estate grown, while the rest come from neighbouring winegrowing families. All grapes are harvested by hand from late August through October. Farming follows agroecological principles and organic farming criteria.
The cellar ferments in stainless steel vats and oak barrels sourced from different places and barrel makers. Analysis and tasting guide the final blends. In Agaliu 2024, part of the must ferments at 15 to 17ºC in American and French oak barrels, then spends 6 to 8 months on its lees with weekly battonage. Lees are spent yeast cells, and stirring them through the wine can broaden texture. Another 25% ferments in stainless steel before 2 months in cement, with stoneware amphora also used for maturation.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range includes rosé and white wines. Agaliu 2024 is a 100% Macabeo white wine listed under Costers del Segre. Únic 2021 is an organic single variety Cartoixà, the Catalan name used here for Xarel·lo.
The listed wines also include Airós Rosé 2023, Eixaders L'Olivera 2021, and Arraona Blanc L'Olivera 2021. Traditional method sparkling wine sits alongside the still wines, a style L'Olivera began making in the early 1990s while respecting the character of each variety.
A useful way in
A bottle to begin with
Choose Agaliu 2024. It is a 100% Macabeo white wine listed under Costers del Segre. Part of the must ferments in American and French oak barrels with lees ageing and weekly battonage. Other portions use stainless steel, cement, and stoneware amphora. Its label names one grape, while the cellar places wood, steel, cement, and stoneware in the same wine.