#22 Pinot Noir Cava from Bodegas Naveran

Spain is noted for lovely and often inexpensive bubblies. The best of these are Cava (Spanish wine made in the Champagne style) and the best of the best come from the Penedes region in Catalonia. Interestingly Pinot Noir has only been allowed in white Cava since the 2007 harvest (though it has been permitted in Rose). Cava uses the same rules as Champagne so it is easy to determine which level of sweetness fits your palate. Less than 1% of Cava are Rose so the $27 this bottle commands (In addition to its tiny distribution here) can be justified.

This is a Bodegas Naveran Rose Brut Cava "Perles" from the 2004 vintage. It is bright and refreshing with just the right amount of fruit and a nice clean finish likely amplified by all the big tannins I had been clobbered with all night. Once again, my distraught palate needs another shot at this wine but I remember it as one of the best.