Spanish sparkling wine used to be marketed around the world as “Spanish Champagne,” or Champaña. But back in the 1970s, the European Union began cracking down on pretenders, so Spanish winemakers switched to the term Cava. (It means “cave” or “cellar,” referring to the structures used to store the wine as it ages.) The thing is, they weren't entirely pretending: Cava is made in the exact same traditional method as Champagne, resulting in a similar lively effervescence. Also, just like Champagne, Cava has three main grape varieties: Macabeu, Parellada, and Xarel-lo. (In Champagne, it's Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.)
Now that you know about typical Cava, it’s time to meet Recaraedo. This (now 100-year-old) winery makes serious, serious stuff. It's only produced in vintage years (very much like some of the most coveted Champagnes). It's always Brut Nature (zero residual sugar). All remuage (riddling) is done by hand on traditional racks, and disgorging (the art of expelling the lees from the second bottle fermentation that then leaves the wine perfectly clear) is done manually without freezing the bottle neck. These wines are every bit as compelling and complex as Vintage Champagne but can be had for a fraction of the price. What's in a name, anyway?
Cava Classifications
Cava – Requires 9 Months of Ageing
Cava Reserva – Requires 18 Months of Ageing
Cava Gran Reserva – Requires 30 Months of Ageing
Cava de Paraje Calificado – Requires 36 Months of Ageing
*The minimum aging of Recaredo Cava is 54 months.
We’re pouring 3 wines:
2018 Recaredo Intens Brut Nature Rosat - 87% Monastrell, 13% Garnacha Tinta. The color of the wine is obtained using the saignée method. To enhance structure and elegance, part of the blend consists of wines that have been lightly aged in oak casks. 5 years on the lees. $45
2017 Recaredo Terrers Corpinnat Brut Nature - 50% Xarello, 38% Macabeu, 12% Parellada. Made in tank and with around 4.5 years on the lees. Wildly complex on the nose and palate with layer upon layer of dry, salty, nutty and stony mineral character. $50
2014 Recaredo Corpinnat ‘Serral del Vell’ Gran Reserva Brut Nature - 100% Xarello from the oldest vines situated on the Recaredo estate. The wine is fermented in oak barrels, marked by notes of ripe fruits married to a lively citrus-infused backbone: the height of elegance. Drinks like completely dry Dom Perignon. Aged a minimum of 7 years on the lees. $75
$10 for 3 exceptional wines ($5 Club Members)
