Wine of the Week: Freixenet Elyssia Gran Cuvée Cava

If you had asked me years ago what I thought of Freixenet, I probably would have smiled and pictured that familiar black bottle of Cava sitting on the liquor store shelf. It was inexpensive, reliable, and, let's be honest, one of those bottles many of us picked up when you were young and broke.

So when I received a bottle of Freixenet Elyssia Gran Cuvée as part of my Certified Cava Educator course, I had to admit I was a little skeptical.

My first thought?

"Well...it has to be good if they included it in the certification program."

I tucked the bottle away until a weekend trip to Plymouth, Massachusetts, to visit my high school friend Sharon. Mother Nature had other plans for us that Saturday. Rain kept us indoors, so we decided to make the best of it by baking a blueberry galette and, of course, popping the cork.

A Different Side of Freixenet

This wasn't the Freixenet I remembered.

Elyssia is produced as Freixenet's premium expression of Cava, and the name itself sets the tone. Derived from the Latin word Elysium, Elyssia means "a state of absolute happiness" or "paradise." After tasting it, I'd say the name fits beautifully.

The wine is a blend of:

• Macabeo
• Parellada
• Chardonnay
• Pinot Noir

This combination gives the wine both traditional Cava character and a bit more richness and elegance than many people expect from the brand.

In the Glass

Freixenet Elyssia Gran Cuvée pours with a lively, persistent stream of tiny bubbles and offers an inviting floral bouquet.

On the palate it was surprisingly elegant, featuring:

• Creamy mouthfeel
• Acacia blossom
• Bright citrus fruit
• A delicate hint of strawberry
• Fresh acidity that keeps everything balanced

The wine spends a minimum of 10 months aging on the lees, giving it that lovely creamy texture while still maintaining freshness and vibrant fruit.

Pairing It with a Rainy Afternoon

Our homemade blueberry galette made for a wonderful rainy-day project, and the Cava paired nicely with it.

That said, I couldn't help thinking the wine would have been even better alongside a peach galette or one featuring red fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or cherries. Those flavors would have echoed the wine's subtle strawberry note and allowed both the dessert and the wine to shine a little brighter.

Of course, sitting in the living room catching up with a lifelong friend may have been the best pairing of all.

Wine Facts

Wine: Freixenet Elyssia Gran Cuvée Cava

Region: Penedès, Spain

Classification: Cava

Grapes:

• Macabeo
• Parellada
• Chardonnay
• Pinot Noir

Aging: Minimum 10 months on the lees

Tasting Notes:

• Acacia blossom
• Citrus fruit
• Hint of strawberry
• Creamy mouthfeel
• Fine persistent bubbles

Food Pairings:

• Peach galette
• Strawberry tart
• Triple cream cheeses
• Roast chicken
• Seafood paella
• Grilled shrimp
• Brunch favorites

Wine of the Week: Avinyó Gran Reserva Cava La Ticota Selecció 2017

Some corks are pulled on an ordinary day. Others mark a moment you'll be talking about for the rest of your life. This week's bottle falls squarely into the second category. 

On June 17, 2026, our grandson made his grand entrance into the world — 8 lbs 10 oz, 21.5 inches of pure perfection, and (as two completely unbiased grandparents will tell you) absolutely the most handsome little guy ever to arrive on this planet. Looking just like his dad too! (parents won't let us post pics of their children...sorry)

We popped the cork on the Avinyó Gran Reserva Cava "La Ticota" Selecció 2017, and it did not disappoint.

In the Glass

This Cava is made from 100% Xarel.lo and aged for 72 months. From the moment the cork was eased from the bottle, a steady stream of fine bubbles rose through the glass, creating an elegant, persistent mousse.

The nose opened with fresh Macintosh apple aromas, while the palate delivered crisp orchard fruit flavors layered with complexity gained from extended aging. A subtle note of lime rind emerged on the finish, adding brightness and freshness to a wine that balanced maturity with vibrancy.

The wine felt refined without being overly serious, a perfect combination for a celebration centered around family, joy, and new beginnings.

What Makes a Gran Reserva Cava Special?

While many wine drinkers are familiar with Champagne, fewer understand the quality levels within Cava.

Cava is Spain's traditional-method sparkling wine, produced using the same secondary fermentation in bottle that creates Champagne's signature bubbles. The difference lies in the grapes, terroir, and aging requirements.

A standard Cava must age a minimum of nine months on the lees (spent yeast cells).

A Reserva requires at least 18 months of aging.

A Gran Reserva must spend a minimum of 30 months aging on its lees before release.

The 2017 Avinyó Gran Reserva had ample time to develop these characteristics aging for 72 months, resulting in a wine with elegance, depth, and remarkable balance.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Although we enjoyed this bottle as a celebratory toast, Gran Reserva Cava is exceptionally food-friendly.

Consider pairing it with:

• Complex dishes
• Roasted meat and chicken
• Oysters
• Thai dishes
• Aged cheeses
• Creamy dishes

Final Thoughts

One of the things I love most about wine is its ability to become part of our memories.

Years from now, I may not remember every tasting note from this bottle. But I'll remember sitting with Paul, raising a glass, and celebrating the arrival of our healthy grandson.

From First Sip to Certification: Why Cava Remains One of My Favorite Sparkling Wines

 

I’m thrilled to share a milestone in my wine journey—I’ve officially passed the Cava Educator Class and received my Cava Educator Certificate from the Cava Academy. 🥂

If you know me, you know I’ve always had a soft spot for sparkling wine, and Cava holds a very special place in my heart. It’s one of those wines that still feels under the radar, even though it delivers incredible quality, history, and value.

Why I Love Cava

Cava is Spain’s traditional-method sparkling wine, and so much has changed since I first began my wine journey. Early on, I tasted a Cava that completely surprised me—in the best way. Crisp, complex, and food-friendly, it absolutely wowed me. It quickly earned a spot on the wine list at my restaurant, where it became a go-to recommendation.

What makes Cava especially exciting today is how much the region has evolved:

• Greater focus on terroir and vineyard expression

• Stricter aging requirements and quality tiers

• More transparency around origin and production

• A renewed emphasis on craftsmanship

And let’s talk value—Cava often comes in at about half the cost of Champagne. Don’t get me wrong, I love Champagne, but there’s room in my glass (and my heart) for both. 

The Journey to Becoming a Cava Educator

Last March, I enrolled in the Cava Academy, excited to formally deepen my knowledge. Then… restaurant life happened. I was ready to take the exam in May, but things got busy (as they tend to do).

Recently, I finally carved out the time to revisit my notes, dive back into the material, and take the exam—and I’m proud to say I passed. I’m now officially a Cava Educator, and I couldn’t be happier.

What’s Next

This is just the beginning. I’m excited to continue digging deeper into:

• Cava’s evolving classifications

• Indigenous Spanish grape varieties

• The broader wines of Spain, which deserve far more love and attention

If you’re curious about Cava and want to learn more, I’d love to share that knowledge with you.

✨ I’m available to host a Cava class—either in person or online.
Just reach out: debbie@hudsonvalleywinegoddess.com

Here’s to celebrating Cava, Spain, and lifelong learning—one sparkling glass at a time. 🍾🥂

Celebrate the New Year or Just Celebrate with Vilarnau

This is the season for celebrations! Vilarnau Cava’s are perfect for any celebration. Just look at the packaging. It screams party, good vibes and celebrate!

Vilarnau is proud to now be 100% organic. They hold the Organic Viticulture Certificate issued by the Catalan Council for Organic Agriculture. They strive to make the best cava with as little impact on the environment as possible. All of Vilarnau Cavas are produced in the traditional methode champenoise, the same method Champagne is produced.

Ways to enjoy Vilarnau Cava

• Pop the cork when the clock hits midnight New Year’s Eve
• Brunch New Year’s Day
• Apres Ski
• In the hot tub
• Cuddled next to the fireplace with your loved one
• After shoveling snow
• Sunday Brunch
• Hump Day - because the weekend will be here soon!
• On the beach
• Watching the sunset
• Celebrating a new job or promotion
• Wedding
• Bridal Shower
• Weekend Wine
• Watching your favorite sports team on TV (For me it’s the Buffalo Bills!)

You really don’t need an excuse, you are gifted every day, celebrate that! Priced at $14.99 and $15.99, it should be your house bubbly. Before you even pop the cork, take notice and enjoy the beautiful artwork of the bottle.

Vilarnau Brut Reserva NV SRP $14.99 This is your typical cava blend of the indigenous grapes of the region: 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada and 15% Xarel.lo, aged over 15 months in the bottle. Elegant bubbles shooting straight up with excitement. Notes of green apple, pear and citrus lead to a mid-palate creaminess and a touch of brioche.

Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rose NV SRP $15.99 This blend is 85% Garnacha and 15% Pinot Noir. Each grape variety is fermented separately in stainless steel tanks, blended and bottled for the second fermentation. After the second fermentation, the cava is aged for 15 months in the bottle. The bright red berries just burst out of this cava. It’s fresh, yet elegant with a soft creaminess to it.

Why I Paired Cava With Football

My team the Buffalo Bills made the playoffs. I was so excited for game 1. I was thinking chicken wings and beer. But, quite frankly, beer fills me up and I wanted something I could drink and celebrate with, or drown my sorrows. I though bubbles in keeping with the carbonated beverage and Vilarnau Cava because even if they lost, their beautiful labels would keep me in a decent mood. I could sip cava, eat chicken wings and watch the game. Or so I thought.

I did ask Google what time the game began and I swear it said 4:25pm. About 4:15 I head to the TV and turned on the game to find out that there was 27 seconds left in the Bills game. I popped the cork and stood in front of the tv for the exciting last 27 seconds of the game. Yes, I was screaming and holding my glass of Cava. My dog thought I had gone nuts. Afterward I sat down and #sampled the Cava and made my chicken wings. All was good!

Why Cava? Cava is a beautiful sparkling wine from the Penedes region in Spain made in the Methode Champenoise where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. Vilarnau Cava is exciting, beautiful and delicate and rich with history and so reasonably priced.

Vilarnau

The first Cava with the Vilarnau name was produced in 1949 with grapes grown on the “Can Petit I Les Planes de Vilarnau” estate. This vineyard is 20 hectares with beautiful views of the Montserrat mountains, while only 30 kilometres away from the Mediterranean sea.

A little background, the Vilarnau family was of Spanish nobility and settled on this estate in the 12th century. Albert de Vilarnau was the single person responsible for increasing the family’s power in the 14th century. In 1982 Vilarnau was acquired by the Gonzalez Byass family of wineries.

The label which is a bottle wrap reflects the avant-garde imagery of Antoni Gaudi. Antoni was a famous Catalan architect known for his style that reflect freedom of form, voluptuous color and texture. His quote “ Color in certain places has the great value of making the outlines and structural planes seem more energetic.” As beautifully shown on the Vilarnau bottle.

The Cava

Vilarnau Brut Reserva NV SRP $14.99 - A blend of 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada and 15% Xarel.lo. The wine is aged for 15 to 24 months in the bottle. The Cave featured elegant fine bubbles shooting their way up the glass. Nice acidity and fresh with notes of green apple and a hint of orange rind.

Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rose NV SRP $15.99 - This wine is a blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Pinot Noir. The grapes come from the vineyards their Vilarneau d’Espiell” winery. The Pinot Noir was planted in 1991 and was one of the first vineyards in the Penedes planted with Pinot Noir. A beautiful pink color and fine bubbles. Notes of red fruit on the palate that shows freshness, yet elegance.

One note I do want to say is don’t save sparkling wine for a special occasion. Wines like Vilarnau Cava are wine that can be poured every day. Remember, there is always something to celebrate.

Listen to the Article 

Cava from Carinena

I love Cava! I am not sure when my first taste of Cava was, but I was hooked. For those not familiar, Cava is a sparkling wine made in Spain, usually in the Catalonia region. Traditional Cava is made with the three indigenous grapes Macabeo, Xarel.lo and Parellada. Cava is also made from other grapes as well. It is made in the traditional method where the second fermentation happens in the bottle.

Carinena is a region in northwest Spain between Barcelona and Madrid. It is also one of the few regions outside of Catalonia that is Protected Designation of Origin Cava. Gran Ducay Cava is one of the few that have been certified by the Regulatory Council of the Protected Designation of Origin Cava in Aragon. In a nutshell, this means they can legally make Cava and call it Cava and it is damn good!

Gran Ducay is part of the Cooperativa Vinicola San Valero that was founded in 1944 by 60 winegrowers. Today they have about 700 members. In 1986 the winery’s winemaker Javier Domeque who was trained in the Penedes began making Cava just for the members of the cooperative. Realizing how good the product was they created Bodegas Gran Ducay to bring the product out to the public. Gran Ducay is one of the few Cavas certified by the Regulatory Council for Cava PDO in Aragon.

What Name and Soil Have In Common

The name Gran Ducay is a reflection of the terroir of the region. Monte Ducay is the unique soil of the area. It’s a deep stony soil with both heat retention and cooling properties. The stones allow the water to filter down to the lower layers of the earth. This prevents ponding and allows the water to stay in the ground longer. The stones also accumulate heat from the sun and disperse it at night to the vines.

Gran Ducay Cava

I don’t get too fired up crazy about all wines, but I have to say the two Cava’s I tasted I went nuts! Talk about over-delivering. Both of these retail for $10.99. I will be buying a case of each and will be calling it my “house” sparkling wine. You don’t need a special occasion to drink bubbles, everyday is a special occasion. I’ll be polishing my saber because I have a lot of bottles to practice on.

One item to note: Brut Nature is the term that describes the level of sweetness in the sparkling wine. Brut Nature means no dosage was added after disgorgement. It is the driest category of sparkling wine.

Gran Ducay 2013 Brut Nature Cava - This Cava uses the traditional blend of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel.lo and is aged for 9 months before being disgorged. Lovely minerality with notes of white flowers, green apple and hints of citrus.

Gran Ducay 2013 Brut Nature Rosado - This Cava is produced with 100% Garnacha and aged for 9 months before being disgorged. Nice light salmon in color with fine bubbles. This wine will bring excitement to your day. Hint of brioche and sweet cherries on the nose moving to strawberry fields in your mouth with hints of minerality and orange peel.

Sparkling Wines of the World Seminar

Last Monday I held a Sparkling Wines of the World seminar over Zoom. It seems to be the thing these days for get-togethers. I wasn’t sure how many people, if any would even show up. When I go in front of people, I tend to get a little nervous. Nervous I am going to leave something out, but if you run into me on the street, I’ll vomit at the mouth with information. I guess the more I do these the more I won’t get nervous.

Here are the video and audio of the seminar. It is an introductory seminar discussing many of the different sparkling wines around the world and how they are made. We touch on Champagne, Cremant, Prosecco, Asti, Franciacorta, Cava, Espumante and Sekt. I also explain the different methods used to produce sparkling wine so that you have a better understanding of what is in the bottle.

I might do some more of these in the future. I have a big list of subjects. So stay tuned. I hope you enjoy!

Webinar  

Podcast

Intro to Cava with Patrícia Correia Directora de Comunicació Consell Regulador de la DOP Cava

Cava I think is the most underrated sparkling wine on the market today. I fell in love with Cava about 10 years ago and didn’t know that much about it until I went for my CSW designation. Cava is my go-to for an every day sparkling wine.

Here is what you need to know about Cava:

1. Cava is produced in the traditional method where the second fermentation happens in the bottle.

2. Three main grapes in Cava - Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo

3. Cava can be produced from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Garnacha or Trepat

4. Cava is white or rose. Rose. If rose, blending is not allowed and the wine must be made Saingee method using Pinot Noir, Garnacha or Trepat

5. Cava is produced in Catalonia region of Spain and holds a Denominacion de Origen (DO)

6. There are 4 categories of Cava

• Cava - 9 months on lees
• Cava Reserva Cava - 15 months aging on lees
• Cava Gran Reversa - 30 months aging on lees
• Cava Qualified Place - 36 months aging on lees

I recently went to a Wines of Spain tasting in New York City called “Spain’s Great Match” where I met Patricia Correia who is Directora de Comunicació Consell Regulador de la DOP Cava. I asked to her talk to me a little about Cava. She was a little nervous because she is new to the job but not the region. I assured her she would be great and she was. So, pour yourself a glass and listen to Patricia talk all things Cava.

Valentine's Day Love and Bubbles

It’s that time of the year when Hallmark tells us it’s Valentine’s Day and we have to do something special. Quite frankly, everyday is special when it comes to the person you love, but Valentine’s Day is extra special to show your love. This year it a trifecta with February 14 falling mid-week, we have the weekend before, the actual day and the weekend after.

No worries, I have the four perfect sparkling wines for you to toast your love with that won’t break the bank. Celebrate the weekend before, the day of and the weekend after with Cava and Prosecco.

Vilarnau is a small artisan winery located outside Barcelona specializing in small scale production of Cava. Their aim is to make cave with as little impact on the environment. They hold the Organic Viticulture Certificate issued by the Catalan Council for Organic Agriculture which means they have reduced chemical and phytosanitary treatments by 50%.

The two Cavas below are in these beautiful bottles in the Trencadís Edition. Trencadís is a mosaic created from tiny fragments of broken ceramic tiles, or roof tiles. The technique is known as “pique assiette” in French. The bottles are so pretty you almost don’t want to open it.

Vilarnau Brut Reserva NV Made with the typical Cava blend of 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada and 15% Xarel.lo and aged for 15 months on the lees. You’ll find bright apple and floral notes with exotic citrus and stone fruit. SRP $14.99

Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé NV made with a blend of 85% Trepat and 15% Pinot Noir, aged for 15 months on the lees you get bright red fruit popping out at you once you uncork. The Cava is a beautiful pink in color dancing in your glass with flavors of bright cherry and juicy strawberry with an elegant body. SRP 15.99

We head over to Italy and celebrate with two Proseccos.  First is a Zonin Cuvee 1821 Prosecco from a the Zonin family that has been producing wine since the 1800’s. Light and refreshing aromas of white peaches and fresh picked white flowers opens to a palate showing some minerality with green apple and pear. There is a hint of sweetness on the finish. SRP $ 12.99

Rounding out Valentine’s Day with the Lunelli family brings us Ferrari Brut NV which is 100% Chardonnay sourced from grapes grown in the vineyards planted on the slopes of the Trentino mountains, made in strict accordance with the regulations of Trentodoc. This is a beautiful Prosecco with yeasty notes and toast coming from the bottle right after it’s uncorked. Pour it in a wine glass and smell the breddy aromas mixed with lemon, white flowers and chalk. One sip and the smooth and silky liquid is balanced with just enough acidity and flavors of just baked bead with melting butter, golden delicious apples and lemony citrus notes. SRP $25

Celebrate Love on Valentine's Day with Anna

Valentine’s Day, a day of love, flowers, chocolate and bubbles. Such thought goes into this day whether you are proposing, celebrating your relationship or celebrating many years together. You want the day to be perfect and it doesn’t have to break the bank, but it has to taste good, look pretty and perhaps have an element of surprise.

That is where the hidden gem of Cava comes into play. Cava is a sparkling wine made in Spain in the traditional methode where the second fermentation happens in the bottle, just like Champagne but a third of the cost. Traditionally Cava is a blend of native grapes of Spain; Parellada, Maceveo and Xarel.lo, but the Anna de Codorniu brand also produces a Rose that is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the Lleida region.

You will need to set the stage for your romantic evening, pick up a set of Luigi Bormioli Michelangelo Masterpiece Gold stemware. They do have champagne flutes, however, I chose an all purpose wine glass to capture the aromas of the sparkling wine dancing up the glass. These glasses have nice long stems and are durable but elegant so you don’t have to worry about breaking them when washing them the same evening. They are lead free and the best part, they won’t break the bank.

Anna de Codorniu Brut Rose is the perfect choice for romance. A blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay it is elegance in the glass with delicate soft strawberry color and fine bubbles dancing up the glass. Aromas of soft red fruit and fresh strawberries. Sexy and soft on the palate it dances with excitement and love. It will set the tone for the evening, smiles on faces, romance and love. SRP $14.99

If you are looking for a Blanc de Blancs I would suggest Anna de Codorniu Blanc de Blancs Brut Reserva. A blend of 70% Chardonnay, 15% Parellada, 7.5% Macabeo, 7.5% Xarel.lo. A nice pale strawish yellow in color with nice fine bubbles shooting up the glass. Notes of pineapple, citrus and a hint of apricot escape from the glass. Delicate on the palate with hints of apple, melon and citrus. SRP $14.99

For a nice romantic evening, I’ve set the stage, it’s all up to you.

Luigi Bormioli Michelangelo Masterpiece Gold stemware $19.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond. Make sure you bring your 20% off coupon for $4.00off.

Anna de Codorniu $14.99 available in the Sparlking Wine section of your liquor store

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.

5 Wines for Your Thanksgiving Day Table

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and I hope you will be home enjoying family and friends with some good wine selections. I spend Thanksgiving with one of my close childhood friends and of course I am in charge of the wine. (I bring an appetizer, mashed potatoes and dessert too).  This Thanksgiving I want to go out of the norm, well somewhat and let's look at some selections that you might find on my table.

Begin the festivities with a nice glass of Cava. Cava is made in the same way Champagne is made, but at a quarter of the price.  Try Campos De Estrellas Cava. (previously blogged) Produced in North East Spain.  The grape varieties in the cava are Macabeu, Xarel-lo and Parellada with each variety bringing something different to the bottle. After spending 15 months on the lees, you'll find some soft breadiness that is just enough and not over powering. The palate is dry with nice acidity and hints of apple, peach and melon. It has a nice clean finish with a touch of honey.

This Cava is a great value at $9.99.  I wish I purchased a case!

Let's get local for a minute with Baskakill Vineyards 2012 Barn Owl Gewurtztraminer.  You will find some soft jasmine on the nose and palate with a little hint of honey and spice.  The palate is wonderful, soft and inviting.  It has a slight honey finish.

This wine retails for $15.00

A nice Chateau Grand Jean 2011 White Bordeaux which is a blend of 70% Semillon and 30%Sauvignon Blanc.  Semillon adds a different type of mouth feel to the wine making it a little heavier than a Sauvignon Blanc.  I recently blogged about this wine and you can find the post here.

This wine retails for $9.99

Picture courtsey of Donna Stannard Camp

I usually don't talk about my wines on this blog, but I have to make an exception for this post.  Happy Bitch Pink Chardonnay will pair very well with your Turkey
dinner.  It's an unoaked Chardonnay with a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon.  It begins slightly minerally with hints honeydew melon and green apple.  Midway through your palate she changes her clothes, puts on her red dress and stilettos and goes off in the sunset with soft red berries.

This wine retails for $12.99

Now for a bottle of red for the table.  We usually will go for a Pinot Noir. Selecting a Pinot from the Wairau Valley, Marlborough region of  New Zealand I find a Goldwater 2010  Pinot Noir.   Aromas of red berry and oak fill the glass with a strong scent of vanilla and a hint of cocoa.  The palate is filled with strawberry, hints of cherry throughout with some nice earthy and spicy black pepper notes on the finish.  It's a very well rounded wine and retails for $25.00

No matter what wine / wines you choose for your Thanksgiving table the most important item is that you enjoy them and the people around you!

OOH...Cava

Cava is Spain's answer to Champagne. Yes, it's produced in the same traditional method as Champagne. The second fermentation takes place in the bottle.  That's about the only similarity as the grapes in the bottle are completely different.

So let's visit the Penedes region of Catalonia in northeastern Spain for a minute.  That is where Cava is produced.  The spiritual heart of the Cava designation is the town of San Sadurni de Noya which is located West of Barcelona.  It's a low-lying area close to the Mediterranean so it has moderate daily temps and a bit of humidity.

Now let's visit the gapes in Cava.  There are three varieties that go into Cava.  They are Macebeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada.  Each of these grapes brings a different characteristic to the bubbly.  The Macabeo will produce a dry wine with subtle aroma.  The Xarel-lo is a full bodied wine with a good amount of acidity.  This is the basis for most Cava blends.  It brings freshness and great aroma to the wine.  Then we have Parellada which is grown in the higher elevations of the region.  It produces smooth wine and has a delicate aroma.

Cava's are blanc de blancs and use similar classification as Champagne based on sweetness.  Brute nature, extra brut, brut, seco, semi-seco, dulce (in order of dry to sweet)

So that's my Cava lesson for today onto the tasting...Campos De Estrellas Estate Cava Brut.

Campos de Estrellas Estate Brut Cava is grown on a single estate that has silicate sandy soil in the Penedes region 10km from the sea.  The vines are between 30 and 50 years old.  The Cava is aged 15 months on the lees before being disgorged and released.

Blended with 40% Xarel-lo, 30% Macabeu and 30% Parellada, it has an alcohol content of only 11.90%. The wine had beautiful tight bubbles. Straw yellow in color with aromas of apple, melon, hints of peaches and soft breadiness.  The palate was well balanced a hint of honey and a nice clean finish.

A yummy wine and very affordable at $9.99!!!