If there’s a better way to celebrate than with sparkling wine, I’d like to know about it. As we prepare to say goodbye, for some perhaps good riddance to 2017 I’ve got a few ideas to toast the occasion. May I offer two Cavas and two sparkling wines? By the way, all four of these suggestions come in beautiful bottles.
Let’s start with some Cava. I’ve got such fond memories of the Cavas tour I took several years ago. I remember one of the winemakers called Cava an “everyday luxury.” From Vilarnau I recommend Brut Reserva NV and their Brut Reserva Rosé NV. The Brut Reserva is a blend of 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada and 15% Xarel-lo. The lovely bubbles tickle your nose and it’s bright and crisp on the palate with ample fruit. The Rosé is a blend of 85% Trepat and 15% Pinot Noir. It’s an intense pink with a very floral nose and strawberries on the palate. Both are made in the Methode Champenoise. The Brut Reserva has a suggested retail price of $14.99 while the Rosé sells for a dollar more. The Vilarnau Cava house dates back to 1949.
Sterling Vineyards in Calistoga also offers a Blanc de Blancs and a sparkling rosé, made in the Charmat Method. The Blanc de Blancs is made with 100% Napa Valley Chardonnay from a single vineyard. It’s a pale straw color with fine bubbles and a green apple nose. It’s got a creamy mouthfeel with ideal acidity. The rosé is 70% Napa Valley Chardonnay blended with 30% Monterey County Pinot Noir. The color is salmon pink and you’ll find cherries and rose petals on the nose and crisp apple on the palate. The bottles are stunning, metallic with the wine names etched in. Both sell for around $28.
A fond farewell to 2017 and bring on 2018. Cheers!
Tom Plant launched WINEormous in 2009 and is a member of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association. Based in Temecula, California, he offers intimate winery tours for no more than seven people. Tour details and pricing are available at www.temecula-tours.com. Call now to book your Temecula Winery Tour at (951) 907-9701! Ask about special discounts.