Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon – WineO Mark Review
Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon – WineO Mark Review Wine Stats Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage: 2020 ABV: 14.8% Wine Region: Central Coast, California Flavor
If you are looking for a delicious sparkling wine that is affordable and easy to find, then you should definitely check out Cava.
It’s an affordable sparkling wine made in Spain, and it has become quite popular in recent years. There are many different brands and types of Cava available, so it can be a little overwhelming to know where to start.
That’s why we have put together a guide to this Spanish sparkling wine and a list of our 12 Best Cava wines!
It’s a Spanish sparkling wine that is usually made from a blend of different Spanish grapes, such as Parellada, Macabeo, and Xarel-lo. However, you may also find some that are made from international grapes such as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.
It’s made using the traditional method (aka Champagne Method), which means that the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle. In addition, Cava has a minimum of 9 months aging on the lees.
The traditional method is a bit longer and more complicated than the tank method, which is commonly used to make sparkling wine. However, many people believe that the traditional method results in a better-tasting product and is what gives the wine its signature fine bubbles.
And although Cava and Champagne use the same production method, Cava wines are typically more affordable.
Typically made in Spain, specifically in the Catalonia (Catalunya) region. However, you may also find some that are made in other countries, such as Argentina, Chile, and the United States.
Usually light to medium-bodied with a delicate flavor profile.
Best paired with light and refreshing seafood dishes, such as ceviche. The wine’s citrus and floral notes help to bring out the flavors of the seafood. And it can be paired well with hearty and/or fried seafoods with the effervescence cutting through the fattiness of the dish.
The wine’s bright acidity and slight sweetness help to cut through the richness of a paella. The wine’s fruity notes also pair well with the dish’s other flavors, such as saffron and vegetables.
The sparkling wine’s effervescence and high acidity help to cleanse the palate in between bites of tapas. And the nuttiness of the wine also highlights the flavors of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and other small plates.
The bubbles and high acidity help to cut through the creaminess of a risotto, while its fruity and floral aromas enhance the flavor of the dish.
There are four (4) different types of Cava, which are distinguished by their aging on the lees.
There are three (3) different types of Cava, which are distinguished by their sweetness levels.
If you are not sure which type to choose, we recommend going for a Brut or Extra Brut. These types of Cavas are typically more versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of different foods.
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This is a popular Cava in the US market. Because it has a welcome nose of ripe pear, apricots, and brioche with zesty minerality on the palate and a structured acidity on the finish.
One of the better value Cava Reserva I have tasted. It has a complex nose of ripe fruits, citrus zest, and toasty notes. On the palate, it has a creamy texture that’s well balanced by vibrant acidity.
I enjoyed this Rose more than their Brut. Because it was surprisingly complex with notes of red berries, citrus, and a hint of floral notes on the nose. On the palate, it has crisp acidity with a hint of sweetness, along with a delicate texture that makes it perfect for celebrating any occasion.
This is a Gran Reserva Cava that has been aged for 30 months on the lees. And with an intense nose of ripe lemons, apples, peaches, and a hint of nuttiness and toast. On the palate, it’s has good balance and complexity with plenty of acidity and a long finish. Another great choice if you are looking for an affordable alternative Champagne option.
I really enjoyed this lovely wine and I liked the simplicity of the bottle design. Also, it has an intense nose of fresh green apples and pears along with a hint of honey and mineral notes on the palate. On the finish, it just a nice crisp and dry bubbly that makes it a great food pairing wine.
This Rose has a lovely pink blush color and intense aromas of strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and an underlying hint of honey, cream, and toast. On the palate, it’s light and fresh with bright acidity that helps to balance out the sweetness.
Another fantastic QPR Rose on this list! This Cava has a vibrant ruby color and intense aromas of strawberries, raspberries, orange peel, and just a hint of yeast. On the palate, it’s well-balanced with a creamy texture and lively acidity.
This is a Gran Reserva Cava with an intense nose of apple, pear, honey and toasty notes. On the palate, it’s well-balanced with plenty of bright acidity and a long finish.
Another one of the most popular Cavas in the US market, with its signature bottle. It opens with fresh aromas of citrus, apples, and nuts. But then on the palate, it’s fine bubbles accentuates the apricot and orange flavors with a crisp acidity.
This wine has a zesty lemon nose with tropical fruits and toast. On the palate it’s lively and elegant with plenty of acidity, minerals, salinity, and a citrusy finish.
Not as well known as the others on the list, but a very good valued one. It has a wonderful aromas of ripe apples, pears, citrus zest, and brioche. On the palate, it’s dry yet creamy with plenty of peach flavors. Along with a bright acidity that cuts through the taste of sweetness on the finish.
Another well-known Cava in the US, this wine has a nose of ripe apples, pears, citrus, honey and toasty notes. Just another well-balanced, excellent wine that has plenty of crisp acidity and a nice clean long finish.
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