Casa Fundada Al 1897 Rigol Cava Brut (no vintage)

• Area: Spain
• Grape: 30% Macabeo, 60% Xarello, 10% Parellada
• Alcohol: 11.5%
• Rating: Black 87 Dilettante 87

Description: This sparkler has larger bubbles and a weak nose of warm biscuit. Fruity notes of pear, apple and baked bread give way to a lingering finish. Pleasing, quaffable and very simple.

Price: $13

Benito Escudero Brut Nature (no vintage)

• Area: Spain, Rioja
• Grape: Viura (Macabeo) 50 yr vines
• Alcohol: 12%
• Rating: Black; 84 Dilettante; 84 Nwjr; 82

Description: Large and volcanic bubbles upon opening taper off to small beads after a few moments. Clean and fresh, this has subtle flavors of pear, mineral, and a hint of salt. The light finish is has elements of yeast at the very end.


Food Pairing: steamed vegetables

Escudero on the web