Pale copper color; red fruits, strawberry, raspberry, plum, citrus, cinnamon, roses and wild flowers on the nose and palate.
Brut; very tiny bubbles; bright acidity. Smooth, creamy. Light body. Simple, entry-level cava. Blend of 45% garnacha, 45% trepat, 10% pinot noir. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by traditional method second fermentation in the bottle, followed by 12 months aging in bottle before release. While this is not an exceptional sparkling, but it certainly does nothing offensive nor is it smarmy cheap. It is solid and simple and a good value-for-price play. 12% ABV
Two of the grapes in this effort are well known. Trepat much less so. It is grown almost exclusively in Catalonia in northeaster Spain, where most Spanish sparkling—cava—is produced. It can be difficult because of susceptibility frost early because of early bud break and testing at harvest because it harvests late, when rains can come. It delivers bright acidity and freshness. It is a workhorse cava grape in Catalonia, where some cavas are 100% trepat. In cava blends, it often is paired with garnacha and pinot noir, as is the case with this effort.
Vallformosa is a well-respected Spanish winery with a history spanning more than 150 years. It was established in Vilobí del Penedès in the Penedès region of Catalonia in 1865 by the Domènech family. It remains a family-owned operation, now run by the fifth generation. It is the fourth-largest cava producer in Spain and has a strong international presence, exporting to more than 40 countries. More than 60% of its production is exported.
The winery long ago embraced sustainable farming and civic responsibility. It particularly supports cancer research through a collaboration with the Catalan Oncology Institute Foundation. The winery also built a convention center at its facility that combines business events with wine education.
Vallformosa Mistinguett Brut Rosé NV is a simple, safe, tasty sparkling that will offend almost no drinker or any pocketbook. Plenty of red fruit, just-enough acidity, tiny and persistent bubbles. Made by a long-time leading Spanish winery, especially in the export market. Works as an aperitif, also an economy bottle at an event for toasting. Pair with lean fish and shellfish; appetizers and snacks; cured meats; charcuterie board with veggies and fruit. Cheese—brie, sriple crème cheeses, burrata, feta, halloumi, aged chèvre, humbolt fog, comté, gruyère, manchego, cambozola; avoid pungent cheeses, strong blue cheeses as they will overpower this light cava. $14
