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

NV Cristalino Brut Sparkling Wine

Terry post:

This is another in a series of posts regarding good or great wines to be found in restaurants for $30 or less.

One of the problems with Champagne and Sparkling Wines is that people don’t drink enough of them to be comfortable and tend to buy the label or the reputation. Be not afraid. Embrace the bubbles!

We carried this sparkler on our wine list since 2005 and it has continued to be a reliable, consistent friend year-in and year-out at a very reasonable price point.

My impressions: Full mouth-feel with abundant citrus aromas and a touch of yeast. Long clean finish with vibrant bubbles.

We sold this wine at $8 per glass or $28 per bottle (restaurant price) and think you can easily find this at your local grocery store for between $8 -$10 per bottle. It is a fabulous value and has been consistently our best selling (by volume) sparkling wine.

My personal preference is to pair a Champagne or sparkling wine with virtually ANYTHING. It may be a personal bias, but I have yet to find any dish which isn’t improved by a glass of Champagne/sparkling wine.

Sir Winston Churchill was famous for the copious amounts of Champagne (the real French stuff) he consumed with oysters. That should be reason enough for you to try it sometime, as well.

~ Terry