Mont-Marçal Brut Reserva Cava 2008

Like an overture to the symphony inside, the Mont-Marçal Brut Reserva 2008 dons a playful design, a Gaudi-esque harp shaped label, and a playful art series of cork caps. Commemorative, celebratory, spontaneous and always versatile, Mont-Marçal’s Brut Reserva resonates with quality in both flavor and texture, as a balanced and supremely classical expression. Harmonious aromas of honey-tinged golden pears dusted with chalky minerality spring from the glass. The fruits, threaded with vibrant citrus, are generous, clean, and clearly delineated. On the palate a finely beaded texture of delicate, almost creamy bubbles carry the flavors through to a satisfying and mouth-refreshing finish. Mont-Marçal makes an easy choice for bringing to table the joy of casual entertaining. At the same time that Mont-Marçal’s Brut Reserva Cava offers true refreshment, it carries with it a sense of place and a culturally rewarding identity. In a world in which authenticity is hard to come by, Mont-Marçal shines as a faithful beacon in the production of Spain’s most esteemed sparkling wine. Enjoy this delicious Cava well chilled (38°-40° F).

Tapas, hors d’oeuvres, smoked salmon with capers and onions, most fish and poultry first courses, and that special someone constitute our favorite accompaniments to the 2008 Mont-Marçal Brut Reserva. Neither heady nor heavy, Mont-Marçal’s Brut Reserva is at its very best early in the evening, either as an aperitif or with a first course. The dry, delicate flavors of Cava are always better suited to begin the evening than finish it. Salmon mousse, scallops, stuffed mushrooms, sautéed oysters, and even foie gras, offer especially rewarding accompaniments to Mont-Marçal’s Brut Reserva. Steamed crab legs and herb-roasted chicken or turkey served with a savory stuffing offer other worthy accompaniments to Mont-Marçal’s noteworthy Cava. A plate of fresh fruit and soft, ripe creamy cheeses will also highlight the delineated, exuberant flavors of Mont-Marçal’s Cava.

Editor’s Note: Cava is a wine that is under pressure. It should always be well chilled before opening. Always exercise caution when opening a bottle of sparkling wine. Point the bottle away from people and objects. Use a clean towel or cloth to firmly grip the bottle. Gently remove the wire stopper while firmly holding the cork in place. Then with thumb and forefinger, remove the cork slowly from the bottle. Do not let the cork fly. Enjoy! Nestled into the Mediterranean coastal range, about an hour’s drive south from Barcelona, is the Penedès wine region where for over a century Spain’s great wine culture has fostered talent in the art of creating Cava, Spain's most artisanal and labor intensive sparkling wine. Following a successful career in musical recordings, Manuel Sancho brought a fresh eye and classical vision towards elaborating a new benchmark in style for Cava from the heartland of Cataluña’s Cava production. In 1975, Manuel Sancho purchased a neglected 18th-century convent, originally a 15th century farmhouse set atop a prominent knoll overlooking the hamlet of Sant Marçal. Conversion of the property into a state-of-the-art winemaking facility has preserved the historic significance of the 15th century farmhouse, while medieval underground passageways in the chalk have been carefully preserved for additional bottle storage. From the hilltop’s vantage with 360º of exposure the “Mont” provides a range of microclimates with ideal chalky soils for the maturation of Chardonnay as well as the estate’s indigenous Cava grapes: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. As a “grower producer,” intrinsic vineyard quality and careful handling of the grapes, paramount to quality winemaking, results in a naturally-rich base wine with fresh, clean flavors in little need of dosage. Mont-Marçal Cava Brut Reserva is a vintage wine that benefits from approximately 24 months aging in bottle prior to disgorgement and departure from the winery cellar. Disgorgement on order for localized shipments ensures the wine will be enjoyed at its optimal freshness while the extended maturation on the lees imbues delicate biscuit notes and terroir focused pedigree, all wrapped in ever more finely textured bubbles. At Mont-Marçal quality is paramount.

On the world’s wide menu of fine wine the first course is most aptly set with bubbles – Cava bubbles. The exuberant character of fine sparkling wine epitomizes both class and charm, so let’s set aside the antiquated conceptions that a regional affiliation automatically equates to quality, or the prejudiced value of weighing price equals prestige. Yes, there is more to fine bubbly than Champagne. It’s Cava. Sharing a bottle of fine Cava is timeless, especially one from a producer who is as attuned to what is actually in the bottle as is Mont-Marçal Vinícola, a winemaker boasting proven reliability as a key producer of the world’s most accessible, consistent, and satisfying sparkling wines.