origin: Spain

Castell de Sant Pau Cava

90
Castell de Sant Pau
Varietal: Sparkling
Country of Origin: Spain
Retail Price: $12.99

Tasting Notes: This charming, elegant sparkling wine is your best bet to enter the world of cava and become hooked. The floral bouquet rides slowly into a delicate palate, ending with a clean, dry finish. Made from all-white grapes, so blanc de blanc sparkling lovers should try their take at this wonderfully priced cava.
Castell de Sant Pau Cava

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Insito Reserva Extra Brut

91
Insito
Varietal: Sparkling
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Cava
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: Powerful and razor sharp, the heavy limejuice is complemented by candied lemon notes that are prominent. Slight spice and white pepper notes supplement the vibrant savory citrus acidity.
Insito Reserva Extra Brut

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Villa Conchi Brut

92
Villa Conchi
Varietal: Sparkling
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Cava
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: This is a bright, fresh and tree-fruit-driven cava has a soft toasty almond finish to balance the refreshing nose and palate. The prominent notes of lemon zest and apple skin drive and define this fruit forward wine.
Villa Conchi Brut

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Giro Ribot Masia Parera Reserva Brut

95
Giro Ribot Masia Parera
Fanciful Name: Reserva
Varietal: Sparkling
Country of Origin: Spain
Retail Price: $14.99

Tasting Notes: A truly superb and elegant style from the Ribot Family in Penedes. 50% macabeo, 30% xarel-lo, and 20% Chardonnay produced by methode traditionelle. The wine is aged 12-to-15 months in bottle and not disgorged until ordered. There is a constant flow of tiny bubbles, delightful to the eye. There are hints of wildflower and truffle with a slight toastiness on the bouquet. It has a rich, creamy texture with nuances of baked apple and pear. The finish is long, crisp and slightly toasty/yeasty. You might think this is much more expensive than it is!
Giro Ribot Masia Parera Reserva Brut

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Jaume Serra Cristolino Rose Brut

95
Jaume Serra
Fanciful Name: Cristolino
Varietal: Sparkling
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Cava
Retail Price: $9.99

Tasting Notes: Produced by the Champagne method from 60% pinot noir and 40% trepat in the world’s largest sparkling wine region. A bright ruby color leads to a bouquet of violets and not-quite-ripe berries. Bold, rich flavors of cherry and strawberry coat the palate and linger in the lip-smacking, very-dry finish. This wine is surprisingly full bodied and will complement grilled salmon, prawns, paella, or even BBQ-sauced dishes. Try it with fresh fruits, or with brunch. It is also an amazing value!
Jaume Serra Cristolino Rose Brut

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Anares Terra Nova Verdejo 2015

90
Anares
Fanciful Name: Terra Nova
Varietal: Grechetto
Vintage: 2015
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rueda
Retail Price: $11

Tasting Notes: The aromas on this wine are of soft pear and lime. A nice hint of tart grapefruit midway through plays nicely with a slight spicy tone. Short but mildly acidic finish lends well to many light summer fish dishes.
Anares Terra Nova Verdejo 2015

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Bodegas Naia Rueda Las Brisas White

90
Bodegas Naia Rueda
Fanciful Name: Las Brisas
Varietal: White
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rueda
Retail Price: $10.99

Tasting Notes: 50% verdejo, 30% viura and 20% sauvignon blanc. Versatile every-day white; balanced acidity with a easy mineral finish. Perfect for apps, tapas, grilled veggies and shellfish.
Bodegas Naia Rueda Las Brisas White

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Pares Balta Blanc de Pacs 2014

90
Pares Balta
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Penedes
Retail Price: $12.99

Tasting Notes: It’s cava without the bubbles. Super delicious from beginning to end, with a well-balanced acid/fruit finish. Perfect with light summer cheeses and salads. Plus it’s organic!
Pares Balta Blanc de Pacs 2014

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Zeta Albarino White 2016

91
Zeta Albarino
Varietal: White
Vintage: 2016
Country of Origin: Spain
Retail Price: $19

Tasting Notes: Hints of anise and white flowers lead to crisp, fresh pit fruit on the palate. Love the tangy, tense finish here. Screams for seafood or flaky white fish.
Zeta Albarino White 2016

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Abadia de Tortoreos Albarino White

92
Abadia de Tortoreos Albarino
Varietal: White
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rias Baixas
Retail Price: $17.99

Tasting Notes: I don't always get excited about albarino, but Abadia de Tortoreos is another story. Meyer lemon dominates in a way that will shock you and keep you wanting more. Light, fun drinking happens with this in your glass. This wine from Rias Baixas begs you to drink it outside on a summer day, taking you mentally to the nearest beach. Albarino at its best!
Abadia de Tortoreos Albarino White

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Magana Merlot 2011

90
Magana
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Navarra
Retail Price: $66.49

Tasting Notes: A wine made only in the best vintages and only nine times since 1979. This exemplifies the darker, denser expression of Merlot with caramelized cherries, smoke, rich loam and bay leaf. Somewhat gritty tannins should integrate with time.
Magana Merlot 2011

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Marqués de Cáceres Dry Rosé 2013

90
Marqués de Cáceres
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja
Retail Price: $9

Tasting Notes: Produced from Tempranillo, the iconic grape of the Rioja region, the wine is a bright, medium salmon-pink. The nose is comprised of fresh berries, with a slight floral aspect. Very enticing. The palate is bright and fresh, and the elegant berry flavors persist through the balanced finish.
Marqués de Cáceres Dry Rosé 2013

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