If you have a multi course dinner awaiting you this upcoming holiday season there is an adage that your palate should be cleaned up and fresh so you can appreciate your festive dinner. This is where a Brut or Extra Brut sparkling wine can be of use as its acidic composition scours the palate of detritus. And if you like your bubbly there is no reason it can’t be continued throughout your meal.
A CAVA from Spain fits the bill in terms of purpose and its reasonable cost and since CAVAs are made in the traditional method as Champagnes are you are drinking “quasi-Champagne” at budget prices.
Why not a Campo Viejo Cava Brut Reserva? On the nose a very CAVAish blast of lime and lemon with a gentle wafting of freshly baked bread and baked pears. On the palate that acidity scours out what ever snacks you have been nibbling on particularly any cheeses which can distort the taste of the wine served with your meal. Again an old adage states buy wine on bread and sell on cheese.
The Campo Viejo CAVA does its job and you are ready to go. Yes wine can have a utilitarian function!
(Campo Viejo Cava Brut Reserva, (bottled for) Pernod Ricard Winemakers, San Sebastian, Spain, $17.95, 750 mL, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 25911, 11.5%)
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