Archive: Spain: Cava

Codorniu NV Brut Pinot Noir Cava ($12). Appealing Summer rosé Cava, with warm red berry flavors laced with mineral and earth notes. Shows some grip on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 04/05)

Cristalino NV Brut Cava ($9). This year’s budget choice is this Spanish sparkler! Fresh and balanced, with juicy citrus and apple fruit, honey and toasty oak. It’s easy to enjoy and a great crowd pleaser. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 12/04)

Freixenet NV Brut Cava Cordon Negro ($8). Apparently everyone else in the world (but me) has been drinking Freixenet for years. But I recently tried this particular bottle for the first time, and I was amazed! Some of my favorite sparkling wine flavors showed up: vanilla, hazelnut, apple, toast, and honey. I may drink this stuff all summer long, and then some. (Robyn’s Picks, 6/99)

Marques de Monistrol

NV Cava Brut MPX ($12). Easy drinking quaff, but with pleasant red apple and pear flavors and dashes of toast and citrus. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-28)

NV Brut Cava Masia Reserva Privada ($12). Tasty and refreshing, with orchard fruit, subtle herbal notes, and toasty yeast on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 10/01)

Montsarra NV Brut Cava ($13). Very nice, with complex layers of fig, apricot, pear and toasted hazelnut that swirl and mingle deliciously through the finish. Good value here — even for elegant occasions. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 04/05)

Paul Cheneau

NV Cava Brut Lady of Spain ($14). Liked! Nice complexity and crispness, especially at this price point. Lush melon notes are laced with spice and citrus, with a slightly tropical feel. Medium-bodied and versatile with food — especially pre-dinner nibbles. Ready to drink now. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2009-12-28)

NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Cava ($9). Tasty bubbles under $10! With light apple and fig and citrus flavors that finish with a quick hit of nut and honey. Easy to drink and great for a crowd! Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 02/05)

Segura Viudas

NV Cava Brut Reserva ($10). An easy, everyday bubbly, with nectarine and fig flavors that mingle with refreshing citrus. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 08/06)

Non-vintage Brut Cava Aria ($12). Dry and crisp, with clean fresh fruit flavors and just a touch of toasty yeast on the finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 10/01)

Non-vintage Brut Cava Reserva Heredad ($20). Intense with good fruit, lots of toasted nut and yeast flavors, and a clean, crisp finish. Almost a “New World” style. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 10/01)