A Good Glass of Wine September 2006

Wine columnist Wini Moranville guides you to the best bottles for the money. Spain has been turning heads in the food world, and right along with that, a lot of terrific Spanish wines are making their way toour shores. Curious? Start with cava, the country’s well-known  sparkling wine. But also give Albariñoa try—this up-and coming grape is a real find for white wine lovers.

Go Casual with Cava
"Cava" is the Catalan word for an underground cellar, and it also refers to the famous sparkling wines produced predominantly in the Catalonia region of Spain. Serve this bright,  crisp, easy-to-love sparkling wine for any casual-but-festive get-together—from brunch to tailgating (after all, at these prices, you can drink it instead of beer).A few good picks:

• Cristalino Brut ($8)
• Freixenet Brut de Noirs (a rose-colored wine; $10)
• Freixenet Carta Nevada Brut ($10)
• Segura Viudas Brut Reserva ($10)

Get To Know Albariño
If you're looking for a weighty white as you head into fall, put Albariño in your glass. At their best, they can bring the creamy roundness of Chardonnay, the orchard-fruit flavors of Riesling, and the citrusy zip of Sauvingon Blanc. Enjoy Albariño with seafood—a classic pairing in Spain. You may need to head to a boutique wine shop for this one, as Albariño is still a well-kept secret in many areas. Have your wine merchant recommend his or her favorites. Or, look for:

• Vionta ($18)
• Abadia de San Campio ($15)
• Condes de Albarei ($15)
• Dona Rosa ($16)
• Laxas ($17)

Related Stories

• A Good Glass of Wine September 2007
• A Good Glass of Wine
• A Good Glass of Wine February 2006
• A Good Glass of Wine
• A Good Glass of Wine

email to a friend

digg this

add to del.icio.us