Many folks wouldn't spend $40 on Cava (Austin Wine Merchant). It's seen as the less expensive alternative to Champagne. Here's a Cava to give fine Champagne a run for its money while still remaining Cava (i.e. not trying to be its French cousin).

Real Cava is from the Penedes region of Spain. Real Real Cava is of the grapes Xarel-lo, Macabeo & Parellada. Real Real Real Cava is from the village Sant Sadurní d'Anoia. (I'll stop there).

This is a Brut Nature, a wine that has undergone a primary & secondary fermentation; but after dégorgement, no dosage of Liqueur d'Expédition was added. This means the resulting bubbly is bone dry because nothing sugary has been added before it's re-corked.

A lovely straw color and fine mousse prevail. The nose is steely minerals, delicate mint/eucalyptus, under-ripe green skinned apple & pear, a hint of pink peppercorn.

On the palate, it's delicate with green apple & lemon joined with light lilac and laser-focused acidity that delivers stony-chalkiness to a long finish. A minerally, über-dry delight; my wife's favorite.

So go for for it; drop the coin on Cava.

Anthony Garcia
www.wineisdivine.com
http://twitter.com/wineisdivine