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Archive for July, 2009

An Unexpectedly Fine Sparkling Wine: Llopart Rose Brut Reserva Cava

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

Spanish Cava Sparkling Wine For Less Than $20 – 91 Point Rating

I attended a house warming the other night and, of course, the evening started off with a round of bubbles. There were some nice champagnes and a couple of roses. I have to admit, I am partial to roses! Since the first several bottles were real champagne (i.e., from France) I made the assumption that the roses were as well.

The best sparkling wine since 1887

The two roses were excellent, although one stood out as the best sparkling wine. When it was revealed that it was a Spanish Cava, I was really surprised. It was a Llopart Rose Brut Reserva. The bottle said the cava had been there since 1887 and the wine had spent three years sur lie.

A fine Spanish sparkling wine that's easy on the pocket.

A fine Spanish sparkling wine that's easy on the pocket.

Inside, I was struck by the color – a very clear, sparkling medium pink wine. 

The nose on this cava was very pleasant with some lovely strawberries, perhaps some cherries. The wine had plenty of small bubbles, but the style was a creamier, elegant style than what I was expecting. The finish on this balanced wine was very nice.

An Unexpected Price For A Spanish Cava Sparkling Wine

I have pretty much identified Spanish Cava’s with lower priced bubbles appropriate for Mimosas. This wine had more class than the rougher, less expensive bubbles from Spain. It got me thinking about price and value. 

What would I pay for this sparkling wine in a retail shop? I thought the wine was worth mid-$20s, perhaps even $30. Later, the next day, I learned that the wine sells for under $20. It is a super deal at that price and worth every penny.

A Sparkling Wine So Good It Was Gone

This wine pairs well with food, by the way. We were having a tapas dinner, but unfortunately, by the time we came to eat, it was gone. Folks were surprised by the quality of this wine. It also dispelled a couple of myths about Spanish sparkling wines. 

The Llopart Rose Brut Reserva Cava sparkling wine was one tasty bottle of bubbles and WineOnTheWay.com has it for just $18.00.

Review from Rioja | Vina Zaco Tempranillo Rioja 2007 | 90 Point Rating

Monday, July 6th, 2009

vina-zaco-temranillo-rioja

The Gift of Vino from the Rioja Wine Region of Spain

I love Spanish wines. There are some very drinkable, less-expensive wines coming from the Spanish Wine Regions and they are a delight for all who drink them!

My Favorite Spanish Wine varietals are those from Rioja Wine Regions of Spain

Tempranillo is the primary red wine grape for much of Spain, but especially Spanish wines from the Ribera del Duero and the Rioja Alta. A real gem of a Spanish Wine that illustrates all the goodness of a Rioja wine is  Vina Zaco from Bodegas Bilbainas. I recently had the 2007. While Vina Zaco is labeled Tempranillo, I can’t help but to suspect there might be some Grenache, in there. No matter what, the Tempranillo really shines. (more…)