Producer: Jaume Serra
Wine: Cristalino Cava Brut
Vintage: NV
Country: Spain
Appellation: Penèdes
Wine Type: Sparkling
Varietals: Macabeo 50%, Parellada 35% and Xarello 15%
Grade: B
Designation: Good and Cheap
Price: $9-10

Cava is not a Champagne-wannabe. It’s not a Prosecco-wannabe. Cava is Cava. The only French thing about Cava is that the mèthode champenoise process is the inspiration behind the Spanish sparkler. It’s not actually reasonable to expect Cava to be like Champagne if one compares the terroir between Champagne and the Penèdes. Champagne’s climate is in northern France and is heavily influenced by cool-to-cold North Sea maritime weather. Penèdes is in the north-east region of Spain and gets the warmer Mediterranean temps. Geologically the two regions are different as well; Penèdes doesn’t have that white chalky soil that fills the Champagne landscape. Another big difference is price, Cava, even vintage Cava, won’t empty your bank account like that French bubbly stuff does. Cristalino Brut is a great value and quite good. It has a pretty greenish straw color in the glass with those distinctive lively bubbles that tickle one’s nose. A flute of this Cava is dry, crisp, and toasty with flavors of apples, citrus, and almonds that will brighten anyone’s day. Do as the Barcelonans do, cozy up to a tapas bar, nibble on some pinchos and sip a sparkling glass of Cava. Then again, at this price, have a second round.

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