If you are a person of Champagne taste, but not of Champagne budget….let me spare you the time ( and the money ) of finding a spectacular bubbly without the heavy price tag. Having a particular fondness for bubbles…the texture, the crisp flavour, and the fact that it pairs well with breakfast, lunch and dinner makes sparkling wine a fairly popular choice for many.
I have recently discovered a Cava that is so scrumptiously delicious, and so full of bright flavours and persistent, fun bubbles that I know it could easily compete head to head with some of those great quality Champagnes on the market today.
Just a quick 101 on the difference between Champagne and the rest of sparkling wines of the world: Champagne IS a sparkling wine, but can only be called Champagne what comes from the region of Champagne in France. All other parts of the world cannot legally be labelled as Champagne. (Don’t get me started on Korbel, people.) Cava is a sparkling wine from Spain, done in the ‘traditional’ method where a second fermentation happens inside the bottle. Champagne is also made this way. Keep in mind, that just because a bubbly is not labelled as Champagne, does not mean it’s of lesser quality. Which is my case in point the Gramona Brut Reserva 2011.
Since the early 1900’s, Gramona has been producing quality sparkling wines, still wines, sweet and distillates. From Xarell-o and Macbeo grapes farmed organically, this wine was sitting on lees for 36 months, giving a very brioche and creamy texture imparting plushness and elegance. As soon as it hits your palate, you instantly get this simultaneous mix of citrusy bubbles and buttered brioche that dance on your tongue, with a mouthwatering salitness on the back palate. Then, even after the sip is gone, the long, complex flavours of baked apple, cream and toast stick around for a bit…allowing you to truly enjoy what your palate has just been introduced to.
Blend of Xarel-lo (70%) and Macabeo (30%). Maturation in bottle for 36 months. Light gold on the glass, with medium persistence of bubbles. The nose has cooked apples and citrus, with the perfect amount of buttered brioche. The palate is dry, with a super crisp acidity and light, airy bubbles. Medium intensity of crisp granny smith apples, ripe pear and just a hint of butter. Finish is long, pretty and so so damn delicious!!! Outstanding! Drink now or within the next 3-4 years.
Wine: Gramona Brut Reserva 2011
Grapes: Macabeo ( 70% ), Xarell-o ( 30% )
Alcohol: 12%
SAQ Code: 12450703
Price: $26.55
Agent: Trialto
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