What to Drink Tonight
Spanish cava is the world’s most popular sparkling wine, made in the traditional method first pioneered in the French region of Champagne, most often from native Spanish wine grapes, obscure varieties of modest heritage like parellada, macabeo and xarel-lo. Only recently have Spanish cava wineries begun to use the French varieties that help give the finest champagnes their finesse — pinot noir and chardonnay.
Delightful Segura Viudas Sparkling Pinot Noir displays vivid fruit aromas of raspberries and ripe cherries, as well as a vibrant pink color. On the palate, a whisper of sweetness is balanced with a surprisingly red wine-like tannic grip and scoured clean by a tart cranberry-ish finish. Pinot Noir’s distinctive delicacy and food-oriented character give this wine ample grace and charm, while the light-hearted Spanish approach dispels any hint of stodgy seriousness. It’s a natural for daytime affairs, such as lunches and brunches, and a terrific partner for cheese plates and antipasto.