CRISTALINO BRUT CAVA 750
We know that we are hardly breaking new ground with this recommendation, but any roster of value fizz wouldbe sorely lacking without this ever-so-consistent player. This Brut is a blend of three Catalonian white varietals (50%Macabeo, 35% Parellada, and 15% Xarel-lo) all grown in Jaume Serra’s own vineyards. Cristalino is made by theMetodo Tradicional (i.e. the classic Champagne process) and aged on the yeast twice the minimum nine month termrequired for official Cava designation. It is always pleasantly devoid of the earthy/coarse flavors that are so commonin fizz at this low price point. On the contrary, this budget bubbly offers attractive apple/pear fruit aromas and flavorsthat are nicely complemented by a hint of bread dough while its aftertaste is clean and not overly tart.
