Around the World with Codorniu Raventos Selections

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a seminar in New York City featuring the winemakers of the Codorniu Raventos brands: Bruno Colomer of Codorniu, Diego Pinilla of Bodegas Bilbainas, Ana Diogo-Draper of Artesa, Richard Rofes of Scala Dei, Paula Borgo of Bodega Septima, Elizabeth Figueras of Raimat and Jorge Bombin of Legaris. The seminar was moderated by Kevin Zraly as each winemaker took the stage and spoke about the winery, winemaking and the wines.



I hope you take some time to listen to the recording and meet the winemakers of Condorniu Raventos.

Adding to the experience, I recently went to a dinner featuring their wines.  It was "Around the World Wine Dinner" at the Avalon Links in Cape May. (I apologize my flash wasn't working on the camera)

The dinner began with  a Pork Belly and black beans paired with 2013 Septima Obra Malbec. The grapes are grown at high altitude of 3100 feet. As the wine opened up it showed that it was fruit forward with flavors of blackberry, black currant and dark fruit. It is a wine that does very well with food.  Paired nicely with the Pork Belly.

The salad was paired with Raimat 2015 Rose.  This Rose was a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Tempranillo. It has a beautiful floral nose with flavors of apple, apricot, strawberry, cherry and raspberry.  It really brought out the apricot in the salad.

The main course was a choice and all three of us chose the Duck. We did get to taste the Albarino that was paired with the Shrimp.  The 2015 Vina Zaco Albarino was stellar. The Vina Zaco Tempranillo was a nice pairing with the Duck. The nose had a bit of chocolate, berry, earthiness, spices of clove and nutmeg.  The palate showed dark fruit, molasses, black cherry.

You have to save room for dessert especially when it's Creme Brulee paired with Anna de Codorniu Cava.

All these wines are very reasonably priced - all under $20 and good too! I would suggest them for sipping and pairing with your meal.  Think about the Rose and Albarino with your Thanksgiving dinner.

A Night With Anna (de Codorniu Brut NV)

I spent a great night with Anna.  Anna de Codorniu Brut, NV a Cava, which is a sparkling wine from the Penedés region of Catalonia, Spain.  It was a fine evening with a fantastic Cava.

A little background on Cava and the Codorniu brand. Cava is a sparkling wine made using the methode traditionelle which is the same way they make Champagne in France.  The second fermentation happens in the bottle.  They usually use 3 of the indigenous grapes of the region, Macabeo, Xarello and Parellada.

The history of the Codorniu family growing grapes and making wines dates back to 1551.  In 1659 Anna Codorniu married Miquel Raventos which brought together two important wine growing families in the region.

Fast forward to 1872, Codorniu winemaker Josep Raventos produced the first bottle of Cava using the methode traditionelle. It wasn't until 1984 when the Cava named after Anna was released.  What makes it different is that it is the first Cava to include Chardonnay in the mix.  This Cava, Anna is a tribute to the last descendant to carry the Codorniu surname. In 2002 they released the first Rose Cava produced from 100% Pinot Noir grapes.

The Anna de Codorniu Brut, NV is 70% Chardonnay and 30% Parellada.  It spent 18 months on the lees which is unusual for a Cava.  What this does is add complexity to the wine.  It's a very elegant wine.  If you are familiar with the profile of Chardonnay, you will note the aromas coming from the glass.  A bit of some citrus, green apple, honeydew melon and a hint of toast.  The mouth feel is so smooth, a bit creamy which is what the Parellada grape brings to the bottle.  The wine is well balanced with melon on the palate and a nice clean and lemony finish.

This Cava is a steal at $14.99 SRP.  Think about it for your next gathering.