Jaume Serra, the winery behind Cristalino, was founded in 1943 by distinguished enologist Jaume Serra Guell. It is located in the Garraf subdivision of the Denominacion de Origen Penedes, the largest wine growing area in Catalonia. The white varietals of Chardonnay, Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo are grown on Jaume Serra’s “El Padruel” estate vineyards in the Alt Penedes, situated in the Mediterranean Coastal town of Vilanova y la Geltru, some 50 kilometers south of Barcelona. In addition to their own estate grown grapes, the winery has established unique, long-term contracts with 15 other growers in the Penedes region. Under these agreements, control and maintenance of the vineyards is undertaken by Jaume Serra to ensure their quality standards are met. By law, Cava must be made in the Methode Champenoise or Champagne Method. Due to European regulations prohibiting use of that term, Cava is now labeled as Metodo Tradicional, which has the same requirements with an added stipulation that cava must age for a minimum of nine months on the lees before release. After researching local yeasts, the winery has taken the extraordinary step of importing their yeast from Champagne, France in order to impart the finest quality to their Cavas. Cristalino Brut Vintage is patiently aged for 30 months on the lees before release.