Cava #Winechat

Wine Wednesdays, those two words get me excited. A chance to try a new wine, tweet about it and learn a little something. Last week's wine selection was Cava and just my luck I had one sitting on my trusty wine shelf. Jaume Serra Cristalino was shipped to me by way of my Vineese Wine Club. This club also sends some info and tasting notes with each shipment. This is what is says about Cristalino:

For what you'd pay for a single bottle of fine French Champagne, you could buy a case of Cristalino Cava, which is made by Spain's Jaume Serra winery. Founded in 1943 by Jaume Serra Guell, the estate is situated in the Garraf area of Spain's Penedes growing region. It was purchased in 1997 by the J. Garcia Carrion family, which invested heavily in renovation and modernization.
Spanish law requires that sparkling wine be made in the Methode Champenois--the way it's crafted in the Champagne growing region of France. However, the grape varieties used, other than Chardonnay, are different. For the Cristalino Brut Cava, the varietal makeup is Parellada, Chardonnay and Xarel-lo.
And what a sparkling beauty it is, made in a crisp and clean style with plenty of fruit and a long, lingering finish. Here's to a great wine, and a great value!

My thoughts on this cava. I enjoyed drinking it. I thought it was fresh, light and very dry. I mean so much so it seemed as if it evaporated on my tongue. Because of that, I wouldn't call this a refreshing wine. Yet I couldn't keep myself from drinking another, and yet another glass. I just about finished the entire bottle all by myself!! Here is the big test, would I buy this again? I'd have to say not for something to keep around and open for friends. Most of my drinking friends prefer something a bit sweeter. But if I had to go to a party and was asked to bring a sparkling wine or champagne, I would definitely pick up a few bottles of this.

Cheers!!

A Wine for all Occasions- Newbie or Leap Year Party and everything in between

  Looking for a wine to give to a wine newbie? Someone just looking for something sweet and fun?  Searching for a wine to celebrate the Leap Year?
  May I suggest you try Stella Rosa. When I first decided I wanted to try new wines I joined a wine club. I figured it would be the best way to try various wines. I hadn't worked up the nerve to talk to anyone at my local wine shop (I found out it's not all that scary after all) and I wanted a variety. After doing some searching I found Vinesse's wine clubs. One of their clubs seemed perfect for me, Light and Sweet Wine Club. The first shipment contained what would soon be one of my favorites, Stella Rosa. According to their website, "Stella Rosa comes from a little town in Northern Italy where delicious sparkling wines are very common. Everyone drinks them. They knew this little secret for years and told no one. Originally, Stella was a red blend. Stella came to America a few years ago and everyone fell in love with this racy semi sweet Italian red wine"
  It's sweet, crisp and tastes of fresh strawberries! It's a sparkling wine and every party I've taken it to it has been a hit. I think it's perfect for a mixed crowd. Sparkling, sweet, light and red...what more could you ask for?

Decoding Sparklers

  I read an article today that I thought I should share.  It contained a cheat sheet on decoding sparkling wine.  This is a must have for the new wine drinker.  I know this is late for the biggest day of all for drinking sparkling wine.  But look at is this way, you have an entire year to perfect your knowledge and pick something amazing for your family and friends next year!