Cristalino Brut Cava, Penedes, Spain, NV
Since the holidays are upon us and many wine lovers are spending conservatively this year, I’ll be searching out more value wines that will tickle your palate and make you sleep easier (knowing how much money you’ve saved). This wine is an old standby for me in terms of value wines. In fact, I picked this up in Fort Worth for $8. Heck, you could buy a case for less than a really good bottle in a restaurant!
Cava, by definition, is a blend of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo (much like Champagne is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and the percentages of each varietal vary with each producer and vintage in order to blend to a house style. Cristalino Brut Cava is a blend of 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada and 15% Xarel-lo and is aged 18 months sur lies.
According to Cristalino, the winery behind the Cristalino brand, Jaume Serra, was founded in 1943 by distinguished enologist Jaume Serra Guell. The winery is located in the Garrad subdivision of the Denominacion de Origen Penedes, the largest growing area in Catalonia. Jaume Serra lies within the “El Padruel” estate in the Mediterranean Coastal town of Vilanova y la Geltru, some 50 km south of Barcelona. Winemaking began on this property in 1947.
By law, Cava must be made in the Methode Champenois or Champagne Method. Due to European regulations prohibiting use of that term, Cava is now labeled as Methode 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.
Enough with the tech notes. Let’s get down to the nitty gritty!
Aromatics: Mango, pear, both golden delicious and green apple with a hint of mint and apricot, held together by toasty notes.
On the Palate: Lots of pear and golden delicious apple with a soft mousse (bubbles) and good acidity. Great as an aperitif or with starter courses and sushi.
87 points. Retail $8-12. Excellent value.
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