Cava’s Big Steps towards the Sparkling Elite

Fine bubbles, subtle yet complex. Toasty notes, rich texture, berry and floral notes and a mineral, almost steely finish.   Vintage champagne?  Close… though actually I’m describing high-end Cava.  Cava? Yes. For most consumers, the word “cava” usually brings to mind cheap, simple, inoffensive mass-produced sparkling wines from Spain. Millions are sold every year and most of them fit the descriptions above.  However, a handful of … Continue reading Cava’s Big Steps towards the Sparkling Elite

My Favorite Places to Drink Wine in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe and well-known as a place where one can eat and drink very, very well.  It is also the gateway to Catalonia’s wine country, with famous regions like Priorat and Penedes as well as up and coming D.O.s like Emporda, Alella, Conca de Barbera, Terra Alta, and Montsant. In the last few years I’ve been on … Continue reading My Favorite Places to Drink Wine in Barcelona

Salon de Estrellas – The Best Value Spanish Wines

Earlier this month I had a chance to attend the “Salon de las Estrellas” event in Barcelona, organized by La Guia Peñin, Spain’s most famous and comprehensive wine guide. This event gathered the highest-rated Spanish wines (3, 4 or 5 Stars) that were also characterized by high quality-price ratio, with over 50 bodegas from all over Spain participating in the tasting. Though I’ve been a … Continue reading Salon de Estrellas – The Best Value Spanish Wines