Quite a delicate yet substantial sparkling wine, in the classic French style – no matter that this is the premier New World winery of a Spanish cava producer. The wine is toasty with a bit of yeast in the nose, and some cedar notes. On the palate a little apricot and dried apricot, with integrated acidity kicking in on the end-palate and in the finish. This is a wine that is easy appropriate to drink with a light meal; at 12.5% the alcohol is lower than most table wines these days. Drink as an aperitif, or with lunch or dinner.
Highly recommended — BSE
WHO: Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
WHAT: 67% pinot noir, 33% chardonnay
WHERE: Carneros (Sonoma) California, US
HOW MUCH: $33 (media sample)