Jaume Serra Cristalino Cava Brut NV

Jaume Serra Cristalino Cava Brut NV
Origin: Spain
Blend: Macabeo (50%), Xarel-lo (15%), Parellada (35%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2009
Purchase price: $7.99

Our review: Golden straw in color, this sparkling wine has aromas of tree fruit (notably red apple) and spice with slight floral notes. In addition to the fruit flavors, there is a considerable toast character on the palate, almost nutty, and a moderate amount of effervescence. The finish is very dry and of considerable length.

Our rating: This is a very nice cava, suitable as an aperitif or with a light meal. It's also a good choice for a brunch al fresco. A terrific value, we rate it Above Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava may available to purchase from Wine.com.

Winery website: None found.

Note: At the request of the winery, we have updated this post with the new name of this wine, together with a new bottle image. (02/2011).

Cupcake Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Cupcake Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2009
Purchase price: $9.99

Our review: This wine is silver-green in color with classic aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry and a touch of grassiness, typical of this New Zealand varietal. Light and crisp on the palate, the flavors are reminiscent of a tart, freshly made limeade. The finish exhibits considerable minerality and is a little too astringent.

Our rating: There’s not a lot of depth or complexity in this wine, and that’s a bit disappointing. It probably pairs best with shellfish but could also be served with appetizers or a crudités. Nice but not memorable; just Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A vibrant zing, reminiscent of your grandma’s lemon chiffon cupcake. The flavors are integrated, delighting the senses with Meyer lemons, Key limes and a finish that awakens the appetite. This wine pairs well with oysters on a half shell or with a rich and succulent Lobster Risotto."

Winery website: Cupcake Vineyards.

Campaneta Pinot Grigio 2008

Campaneta Pinot Grigio 2008
Origin: Veneto, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio (85%), Garganega (15%)
Alcohol Content: 11.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: May 2009
Purchase price: $9.99

Our review: Pale yellow with a pleasant bouquet of apple and pear with citrus blossom notes, this wine has a similar flavor profile on the palate. There's a good balance of acidity and the finish, while somewhat flat, is pleasing nonetheless.

Our rating: We initially had a glass of this wine before the start of our meal and were not impressed. However, our second glass was served with stir-fried chicken tenderloins and almost seemed like a different wine, coming alive when accompanied by food. As such, we rate it Above Average (but don't recommend it as a sipping wine). Note: We were unable to confirm the percentage of garganega included in this wine; our source suggested it was 15%.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Sanrocchetto Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2007

Sanrocchetto Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2007
Origin: Marche, Italy
Blend: Verdicchio (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: May 2009
Purchase price: $10.99

Our review: Presented in a very unusual, attractive bottle, this pale yellow wine has aromas of tropical fruit, melon, and citrus blossom; there’s also the barest hint of nuts. Quite smooth on the palate, the initial flavors are of slightly sweetened fruit. A dry, stone-like character is introduced into the finish, which is surprisingly complex. There’s a somewhat bitter aftertaste that enhances rather than detracts from the overall experience.

Our rating: A most enjoyable wine. We served ours with herb-roasted chicken and believe it pairs best with poultry. It would also make a fine Thanksgiving wine. Verdicchios are best served young, so look for the most recent vintage you can find. This particular one is Above Average, nearly Excellent.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: None found.

Freixenet Cordon Negro Cava Brut NV

Freixenet Gordon Negro Cava Brut NV
Origin: Spain
Blend: Macabeo (35%), Xarel-lo (25%) and Parellada (40%)
Alcohol Content: 12.0%
Bottle Closure: Natural Cork
Purchase Date: May 2009
Purchase price: $9.99

Our review: Silver-gold in color and very lightly fragrant, this sparkling wine is also lightly effervescent with very tiny bubbles. The flavors are of green apple and lime, a bit on the tart side with a bright acidity. The fruit flavors seem to intensify a bit into the finish, which is exceptionally dry and long-lasting.

Our rating: We’re not sure this cava works as well as an aperitif as it does as an accompaniment to a meal. As such, it is a very food-friendly wine. We served our bottle with a spicy vegetable omelet, soy sausages and fresh biscuits, a fine choice. We rate it on the high side of Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Crisp, clean and well balanced. The dosage is very dry, but the acidity is lower than most champagnes for a softer, smoother flavor. It is medium-bodied with apple, pear and bright citrus flavors and a moderately long and crisp, clean finish."

Winery website: Freixenet Sparkling Wines from Spain.

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Anakena Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Anakena Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Origin: Valle Central, Chile
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: May 2009
Purchase price: $7.99

Our review: Straw-colored with a very grassy aroma highlighted with gooseberry and citrus. Of medium body on the palate, this wine is very smooth with good balance between fruit and acid. The finish is quite cleansing and delicious.

Our rating: This is our third review of this winery's sauvignon blanc, and we remain enthusiastic fans. It is certainly our favorite sub-$10 bottle of the varietal, which we consider an excellent value. We previously rated the Anakena Sauvignon Blanc 2006 and Anakena Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Above Average, nearly Excellent. The 2008, possibly the best of the three, is comparable.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A delicate and crisp pale gold, this wine shows good aromatic intensity with notes of white peach and black current bud. At the palate it is elegant, fresh and with a long finish. Delicious as an aperitif or with poultry, seafood, salmon, and salads."

Winery website: Anakena Wines Chile.