NV Poema Cava Brut - Spain

Terry post:

First of all, I apologize for the poor quality of the photo. I recently upgraded my phone and I have not yet mastered the built-in camera.

Poema is a part of the Korbrands portfolio and home to a wide array of low to medium-priced wines.

It is not unusual for me to disagree with the glowing write ups provided by the wine producer. I have never disagreed so fundamentally with a write-up as I do with this Cava from Spain. They describe their Cava, thus: "Vibrant aromas of ripe peaches, pears and toasted bread with a hint of spice fill the nose. The palate is dry with a rich, creamy texture. Layers of flavor include orange rind and spice that persists through an elegant finish."

My impression: Thin. Painfully thin. Nearly non-existent on the nose and across the palate. Only the slightest hint of baked bread. No peaches. No pears. No spice. Decent acidity and lingering bubbles through a brief finish. I paired the Poema with sliced apple and baked brie and the wine was completely outclassed and overwhelmed.

I have had really great experiences with Cava's in the past and still consider the genre as a low-cost alternative to sparking wine from California and Champagne's from France.

Bottom line: The Poema offering is a threadbare, hollow and flavorless Cava absent the light fruity characteristics which make the wine a less-heavy alternative to sparklers and Champagne. I'd have done better with sparkling water and saved a few bucks in the process.

$7.99 at the package store at Dover Air Force Base.

~ Terry