Wine With Wanda

Sparkle Every Day: Seven Days of Bubbly!

The fireworks and confetti of New Year’s Eve may already seem like a distant memory but there’s an easy way to keep that ebullient feeling all year long – sparkling wine! Whether you opt to pop the cork on Champagne or Cava, Trentodoc or Crémant, make 2020 the year that you promote sparkling wines to a featured character, not just a guest star, in the drama of your life.  

My friends know that I love to pop open a bottle of bubbly whenever we get together, not just for special occasions. I enjoy taking my palate on a journey around the world by exploring different sparkling wines and I’m smitten by the ritual of bubbly. It takes a bit of time and attention to unwrap the foil, remove the cage, and pop the cork but sparkling wine rewards your diligence with effervescence that you can see, taste, and feel. It truly makes every moment, even nights with Netflix and takeout, a little more special. With this in mind, I present these seven sensational sparkling wines, one for each day of the week, for your consideration. Cheers!


Champagne Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve ($69)
Affectionately known as “Champagne Charlie”, Charles Heidsieck was the dapper and savvy French gentleman that was the catalyst for America’s love affair with Champagne. His legacy lives on in the beautiful wines that bear his name. I actually toasted 2020 with this lovely blend of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Luscious, crisp, and creamy, a sip of this elegant bubbly will make you say ooh la la!



Champagne Bruno Paillard Première Cuvée ($50)
I always smile when I sip Bruno Paillard’s elegant Champagne. Delicate but not wimpy, this crisp and nuanced bubbly shows the magic that happens when smart choices are made at every step of the winemaking process; from the vineyards to disgorgement. A blend of Pinot Noir (45%), Chardonnay (33%) and Pinot Meunier (22%), it is crafted exclusively from the first pressing of the grapes so that the wine is built on a foundation of the purest juice.



Champagne Collet Brut Art Deco Premier Cru ($42)
I recently toasted a friend’s birthday with Champagne Collet Brut Art Deco Premier Cru and everyone gave it a rave review. An assemblage of 7 Grands Crus and 13 Premiers Crus, this blend of Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (40%), and Pinot Meunier (20%) has impressive verve, minerality, and richness. Crisp with a decadent hint of cream and a smidgen of sexy smokiness. Trés chic!



Langlois-Chateau Crémant de Loire Brut ($24)
Champagne isn’t France’s only sparkling wine. In other French regions, traditional method wines are called Crémant. This lovely sip from the Loire Valley is a blend of Chenin Blanc (60%), Chardonnay (20%), and Cabernet Franc (20%) is juicy, round, and crisp with impressive oomph and texture.

Ferrari Brut Trentodoc ($28)
Take your love of bubbly to new heights with Trentodoc. Known as “Sparkling Wine from the Mountains”, the name Trentodoc combines the place of origin (Trento) with the Italian wine classification DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata). I recently visited the region’s most acclaimed producer, Ferrari, and can attest to the wonderful influence that the mountainous terroir has on the wines. The fresh air, warm days, and cool nights provide an optimal environment for the grapes to achieve balance. You can taste it. Made in the traditional method, Ferrari Brut is a fresh, crisp and elegant expression of 100% Chardonnay. Approachable but not one-dimensional, its vibrant fruit flavors are balanced by a hint of crusty fresh-baked bread.



Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs ($22)
100% Chardonnay and absolutely fabulous, this traditional method wine from Sonoma is crafted in the same precise and labor-intensive manner as Champagne. Frisky and crisp with lovely flavors of green apple, citrus, biscuity brioche, and a hint of vanilla; it delivers plenty of personality at a great price.



Juvé & Camps Reserva de la Familia 2015 ($17)
I fell in love with Cava during my time as a student in Spain and me gusta mucho Juvé & Camps! Made in the traditional method, it is an elegant expression of the indigenous grape varieties Xarel-lo (55%), Macabeo (35%), and Parellada (10%). I actually sipped this bottle on Christmas Eve with my family and this charming Cava’s fresh fruit flavors, crispness, and toasty notes won over a very tough crowd, even mom liked it!

Follow the Bubbles in Barcelona and Spark Some Joy at Vilarnau Cava

Not far from Barcelona's bustling boulevards and ancient alleyways, a wine lover's adventure awaits you in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, the heart and soul of Cava production. More than a wine made in the same labor intensive method as Champagne, Cava proudly stands on its own as a sparkling wine. Cava has a Catalan soul and expresses its unique terroir and traditions. I recently had the pleasure of experiencing this first-hand on a recent visit to Vilarnau. 

 Founded in 1949, in 1982 Vilarnau became part of the prestigious Gonzàlez Byass family of wineries. Located just an hour from Barcelona, Vilarnau is one of about 100 Cava houses in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia but they are perhaps the most expressive of their connection to Catalunya's capital city -- their bottles proudly say Vilarnau Barcelona. Their portfolio even includes bottles with graphics inspired by the iconic Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Who truly knows when Gaudí's Sagrada Família will be finished but trust me, you'll have no problems polishing off a bottle of delicious Vilarnau Cava!

image courtesy of Vilarnau

A visit to Vilarnau is a fantastic day-trip from Barcelona and the winery offers a wide variety of activities. While traditional tours and tastings are available, Vilarnau steps it up many notches with tours by Segway, motorized bike, or even helicopter. However you choose to tour Vilarnau's vineyards, seeing the vines provides tremendous context to the wines you will taste. And if you really want to have a hands-on experience in the vineyards, Vilarnau will happily put you to work grape treading and pruning, during season. 

My guide for the day was the bubbly and knowledgable Eva Plazas Torné, technical director and a member of the winemaking team at Vilarnau. A native of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Eva grew up surrounded by Cava and her life experience is complemented by her degree in agricultural engineering. From the vineyards to the cellar, Eva was a priceless source of information and her enthusiasm is contagious. Meeting Eva reminded me that everyone should have a career that brings them so much joy and also brings happiness to those around them. (I love my job but maybe in my next life I could make Cava?)

Cava Vilarnau Brut Reserva ($14.99) is a fantastic introduction to their style. A classic blend of Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo, it was aged more than 15 months in the bottle. Fresh and fruity with lively acidity and crispness. 

Yes, Cava is a sparkling wine that like Champagne undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle but they are not the same wine, and they shouldn't be. To understand Cava, it is important to know the three grapes that are the backbone of the blend: Parellada, Xarel-lo, and Macabeo. These indigenous grapes give Cava a unique flavor profile. However, other grapes, including Chardonnay are also allowed in the blend. 

Eva describes Parellada as "Delicate like a ballerina. Subtle and elegant, it adds acidity to the blend." "Xarel-lo is like a strong man," said Eva, because of its higher alcohol, power, and good structure. "Macabeo is the backbone, with a good balance between alcohol, acidity, and structure. It is like a woman playing the violin."


Eva also explained the three types of aromas present in Cava. The primary aromas are those of the grapes -- green apple, citrus, and floral and reinforce why it is important to nurture and pick high quality fruit. Cava's captivating secondary aromas come from the second fermentation and the long aging time on the lees (yeast) gives Cava warm and inviting bread and brioche aromas. It takes time for Cava to develop the tertiary aromas that come with aging, such as honey, nut, and toast. 

Shhhh, Cava at rest. Vilarnau Cava aging in the cellar. 

The minimum aging time for Cava is 9 months but Vilarnau ages many of their wines for much longer. As we tasted, Eva reminded us that the bubbles in younger Cava are bigger and move faster in the glass because they are not yet well integrated. From bone dry to sweet, fresh to complex, Vilarnau has a Cava for every mood, meal, and moment. Visit their website to see the full range. 

Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé Delicat ($14.99) is an elegant blend of mostly Garnacha with a kiss of Pinot Noir. As the name implies, it is a delicate wine but it is not wimpy. Aged for 15 months, the crisp and fresh fruit flavors are enhanced by a hint of creaminess. The bold and colorful bottle design is inspired by "Trencadís", a kind of mosaic that was used in the modernist artistic movement in Catalunya. Gaudi's Parc Güell in Barcelona is the most famous example of this technique. 

Of course, wine and food are meant to go together and Cava & Calçots are a winning combination. If you visit Barcelona when these spring onions are in season, you can reserve your space at Vilarnau for an authentic Calçotada. A Catalan culinary tradition, families and friends gather to eat mountains of these char-grilled delicacies by hand. Smoky, sweet, and savory; the calçots are dipped in Romesco sauce. A perfect match with Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé Delicat. 

Vilarnau winemaker Eva Plazas Torné demonstrates proper calçot dipping technique. 

I was 16 years old and living with a Catalan family in Barcelona when I had my first sip of Cava. That was many decades ago but visiting Vilarnau and sipping their Cava triggered that memory in vivid detail. In an instant, I recalled the audible excitement of everyone gathered around the table when the cork popped, the bubbles bouncing rhythmically in the glass, and the refreshing kiss of that first sip. I'll never be 16 again but Vilarnau's well-aged wines and Barcelona's eternal charms are poignant reminders that the passage of time can be a beautiful thing. And now I have some new Cava-centric memories to savor and share. 


Gaudi's iconic La Pedrera (Casa Milá) on Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona. I can't believe that I used to walk by this building on my way to school.

If you're planning a trip to Barcelona, a visit to Vilarnau is a sparkling addition to your itinerary. And until then, pick up a bottle of Vilarnau Cava to take your palate on a journey and spark some wanderlust. 

 

He Is Pere Ventura and His Wines Are Fantastic: Chic Cava from Catalunya

 

Marta Sanvicente (chief winemaker, Pere Ventura Cava) and Pere Ventura (president and owner of Pere Ventura Family Wine Estates)

Wine is very humbling -- there's always something new to learn. On a brisk fall night in downtown Manhattan, I learned that Pere Ventura is not just the brand name on a wonderful bottle of sparkling wine but also the name of a charming & creative Catalan gentleman. Mr. Ventura's business card boldly states "Yo Soy Pere Ventura" (I am Pere Ventura) to make it crystal clear that Pere Ventura the wine would not exist without Pere Ventura the man. His hand print on each bottle is a bold statement of Mr. Ventura's personal dedication to quality.

Pere Ventura Cava is located in northeast Spain, near Barcelona, in Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, in the Penèdes region - the heart of Catalunya's Cava production zone. 

As a young man, Pere Ventura dreamed of dedicating his life to the priesthood but wine has provided him with a different type of ministry. Traveling the world to share his acclaimed sparkling wines, Pere Ventura spreads the gospel of a life enhanced by wine. When he founded his namesake winery in 1992, Mr. Ventura wasn't just determined to make Cava of exceptional quality, he was honoring his family's winemaking legacy that can be traced back to the 19th century. Cava is in Mr. Ventura's DNA -- his great grandfather, Manuel Montserrat Font, helped produced the first bottles of Cava at Codorniu. 


Cava has grown in popularity but the wines of Pere Ventura prove that it is more than Spain's fun and inexpensive sparkling wine. In the right hands, Cava can achieve impressive elegance and depth. With Marta Sanvicente at the helm as chief winemaker, Pere Ventura Cava continues to reach new heights. There are no short-cuts when it comes to making Cava at this level and Pere Ventura produces all of their Cava in the traditional method of sparkling wine production, the same labor-intensive method used for Champagne. Sustainability is also a priority at Pere Ventura and the grapes are farmed organically.

Pere Ventura Tresor Brut Reserva ($16.99) is a great introduction to the Pere Ventura style. A classic blend of Xarel-lo (40%), Macabeo (40%), and Parellada (20%), it is crisp and clean with lively flavors of ripe apples, grapefruit, lemon, and brioche. Aged 24-30 months on those lovely yeasty lees, this wine truly over-delivers at such an affordable price. 

Pere Ventura Tresor Brut Rosé ($16.99) is made from 100% Trepat and has been aged about 15 months on the lees. Fine bubbles dance across the palate with fresh flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. 



Pere Ventura Vintage Brut Gran Reserva 2012 ($44.99) is a next-level Cava that beautifully convey's the wine's capacity for complexity and sophistication. A blend of Xarel-lo (60%) and Chardonnay (40%) grapes sourced from old vines with an average age of 25 years, this stunner spends a minimum of 45 months luxuriating on the lees. Creamy and velvety with hints of butterscotch and a tinge of bitter almond at the finish, this vintage Cava balances intensity with lively acidity and fine bubbles. 

Pere Ventura Gran Vintage Gran Reserva 2012 ($86.99) is an exclusive and limited production Cava made only in exceptional vintages. The price may initially strike you as lofty for a Cava but it represents a superior level of winemaking. The Macabeo (50%) and Xarel-lo (50%) grapes are sourced specifically from the estate's old vine plots La Anciana and La Secreta. These elder vines yield small quantities of exceptional grapes. Aged for 5 years on the lees in deep underground cellars, Pere Ventura Gran Vintage Gran Reserva 2012 is a vivid expression of terroir and meticulous winemaking. Vivacious but delicate bubbles smoothly transport elegant flavors, textures, and a sense of place. 


Are you ready to take your palate on a Cava adventure? If your travels take you to Spain's Catalunya region, Pere Ventura offers tours and guided tastings. But no passport is needed to enjoy these wines, Pere Ventura Cava is widely available. And when you pop open a bottle of Pere Ventura be sure to raise a glass in honor of Mr. Pere Ventura! 

Seven Sexy Wines for Chilly Winter Nights, Not Just Valentine's Day!

 

Real romance isn't just a one-day phenomenon but at least Valentine's Day puts love and affection in the spotlight. We need more love in the world and the vibrant reds and good vibes of Valentine's Day brighten up the grey mood of winter. Chilly nights are the perfect time to share a bottle of wine with someone special. Heat things up on February 14th, and all winter long, with one of these sexy wines! 


Vilarnau Brut Reserva ($14.99)  

Your romantic soundtrack should include the sound of a popping cork! Share a bottle or two of beautiful Vilarnau Cava with your sweetie. Founded in 1949, Vilarnau is highly regarded for their superb expressions of Spain's famous sparkling wine.


Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé  ($15.99)

The colorful bottles of their Cava Brut Reserva and Rosé pay homage to Vilarnau's Catalan heritage with a design inspired by the iconic architect Antoni Gaudí. His monumental Basilica de La Sagrada Familia has yet to be completed but these two fresh and flirty bottles of sparkling wine are easy to finish. Dry and balanced with vibrant fruit and persistent fine bubbles, these bubblies are pretty delightful. 

Bonterra Organic Vineyards Viognier 2016 ($16)

Rich and luscious with flavors of vibrant juicy peaches & apricots with sassy hints of cream and spice, I have a crush on this organic California beauty from Mendocino County.

Gérard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres 2013 ($20.99)
An unabashedly sexy blend of Syrah, Mourvédre, and Grenache, this silky and earthy red from Roussillon, in the sunny south of France, will add some ooh la la to your evening. 

Left Coast Cellars Latitude 45 Estate Pinot Noir 2015 ($38)

Wow someone special with this absolutely elegant Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley (Oregon). Beautifully crafted from grapes (Dijon clones) grown in a vineyard that is directly on the 45th parallel, like many of the world's greatest wine regions, this wine is a classic beauty with the timeless finesse of Fred Astaire. 


Frescobaldi Nipozzano Vecchie Viti Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG 2013 ($24)

Pour a little love, Italian style, with this terrific Tuscan vino. Sourced from the oldest and most deeply-rooted vines of Frescobaldi’s thousand-year old Nipozzano estate, it blends Sangiovese with kisses of Malvasia Nera, Colorino, and Canaiolo. Silky and sultry with rich red berry flavors and hints of spice and cocoa, this is what la dolce vita tastes like! (I sampled the 2013 vintage but 2014 is currently available.)



Imagery Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99)
A juicy red from Sonoma (California), Imagery blends classic Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of racy Petite Sirah. Smooth with a subtle pop of spice, it strikes the perfect balance between plush and polished.