All That Glitters IS Gold

Perusing through our Wine category, I realized that we didn’t yet have any articles on Sparkling wines.  So I reached out to a good friend, and wine expert, Joanna, author of the blog “WINE, ART, ETC.“, and asked her for a suggestion on pairing Chinese food with a sparkling wine.  Much to my surprise, did she not only have a great recommendation, but she is also permitted me to reprint her article, “All that Glitters is Gold” for your enjoyment.

Darling Wine Sparklers,

Hmmmm….just for today, let’s explore our minds a bit and talk about GOLD.

Gold is the only metal that is yellow or “golden”. Other metals may develop a yellowish color, but only after they have oxidized or reacted with other chemicals.

Another interesting tidbit is that Gold is extremely ductile. A single ounce of gold (about 28 grams) can be stretched into a gold thread 5 miles long.

My GOODNESS! If you’re thinking what I’m thinking, could you just visualize a plush vineyard with ripened grapes stretching up to 5 miles long..?

How about frolicking about barefoot through this wonderfully plush earth, eh ?!?

Oh My..! Which brings us to today’s golden pick:

2011
Raventos I Blanc
Conca Del Riu Anoia
Sparkling Wine

Hot damn ! A Spanish Cava !!

Tell me more, you ask..?

Wine production at Raventos I Blanc started in 1497 when the estate was founded in Sant Sadurni d’Anoia. This date has been authenticated by documents at the estate and recognized by the Spanish Government. The first Cava in Spain was producedhere in 1872 by Josep Raventos Fatjo. The estate as it is now, was founded in 1984 by Josep-Maria Raventos, a member of the Codorníu family.  He wished to create a small, quality-oriented winery that would stand apart from the large co-ops in the area. Today Raventos owns about 300 acres of vineyards planted mostly to local varieties such as Macabeo (Viura), Xarel-lo and Parellada.

I absolutely adore this Spanish sparkling wine! If I had to choose between a Prosecco and this, I would have to be blindfolded, spun around a few times, then just randomly point to whichever TESORO was in my reach! In all reality, HOW COULD you choose ?? Both sparkling wines are SPLENDID! Although Prosecco originates in Italy and today’s pick, this sparkling Cava, originates in Spain, both leave your palate feeling so refreshed AND tingling, longing for more and more…

There’s the LIGHTNESS about her, perfect for any summer delight!  A fabulous FIZZ, a crispness and fruitiness that I can recall both on my palate and on my mind long after my glass is empty..

Go ahead, I know you want some..

NOW, LET’S TALK WINE PAIRINGS…

This LUSCIOUS Cava, the Spanish equivalent to champagne, is very versatile; it can be used as an ideal, inexpensive by-the-glass aperitif and in bubbly drinks such as mimosas, but its palate-refreshing qualities also make it ideal with with Spanish tapas, seafood, and with American-style appetizers. Also delectable with many Mexican dishes, Cava can serve as a cold, refreshing counterpoint to the heat, and it is delicious with a broad range of Asian cuisines (sushi, Chinese food, even spicy Thai dishes). Cava also MARRIES well  with modern cuisine, dishes with complex flavors and multiple ingredients. After all theCatalan stars of Spain’s Cocina De Vanguardia pour Cava liberally with many of their most creative tasting menus.

So, what ON EARTH are you waiting for my Sweets..?

Go ahead, INDULGE in a glass of this exotic Spanish Cava..

As your Champagne flute Glitters, I promise, Dear Oeniphiles, so will YOU !!

Cheers to Bubbly Interludes,
Joanna