La Furtiva is the experimental project of Oscar Navas Capilla, located in the rolling hills of Catalonia, Spain. Employing organic viticultural techniques including biodynamic and regenerative farming, conserving terroir is central to Oscar’s mission. His wines are made from native grape varietals, but vinified using modern and innovative methods like long maceration in chestnut barrels. Indicative of Oscar’s own history, a first-generation winemaker and the descendent of Catalonian natives who maintained their land even through the turbulent Spanish Civil War, it’s this mix of old and new that makes La Furtiva unique. 

Terra Alta itself is a unique destination for winemaking. Perched at over 900 meters above sea level, it benefits from an abundance of sunlight and the Mediterranean climate. Its diasporic soils formed from the collection of wind-blown particles over time, known in the region as Panal and more commonly known as Loess, which contribute complexity to Oscar’s wines. This also adds challenge and intrigue to Oscar’s mission of making classic wines that are consistent and of high quality while following low intervention practices.

To do this, Oscar uses a direct press method and a long aging process in barrels of old French oak or chestnut, no fining or filtering, with minimal sulfur at bottling. The results are wines that are full of character, much like Oscar, – bright and juicy, layered and earthy, with a real depth that speaks to the ceiling for his terroir and home region. Armed with the willingness to take chances and push the limits, the future is bright for La Furtiva.