Marques de Gelida Cava Rose

Marques de Gelida

Brut Reserva Cava Rose (100% Pinot Noir) - 2006

Catalunya, Spain

I do not drink pink wine. I have this terrible fear someone will see me drinking a rose and think it is white zin, thus dashing my (in my mind anyway) awesome reputation for drinking good wine only.

Pink bubbly I can get behind. Usually sparkling roses have only the slightest tint of pink pale like a bubbling pink diamond (I like pink diamonds, hint hint boyfriend), but this one is a lot more pink, like a glmmering sapphire (I also like these).

It has the same yeasty citrusy nose of most sparkling wines. Nice tingley tiny bubbles that feel fuzzy on the tongue. Nice and crisp and refreshing, I get more of a sparkling cranberry-apple cider taste than a biscuity flavor common to bubbly. A very nice refreshing option, like a pre-mixed poinsetta, different than most. A nice after dinner wine or in middle of the day relaxing poolside staring at the hot pool boy... You know, whenever.

I don't think I could do more than 2 glasses of this, so I would recommend sharing, the color makes it most festive so try a baby shower or bachelorette party or girls' night in. I am all for equality, so I will recommend it for a fantasy football draft too... Too far? Just try it, it is tasty.

Numanthia "Termes"

Numanthia "Termes"

Tempranillo - 2007

Valdefinjas, Spain

Cef Zambrano (owner of my favorite wine bar and retail shop here in Ft. Worth) recommended this to me when I came looking for a bold interesting red (all these summer whites are great, but I need teeth staining bold every now and again). He proudly told me this wine just got a 92 from Wine Spectator, I generally find thier ratings to be inaccurate, wrought with favoritism, and douchey so I wasn't impressed initially, but I was eager to try something Cef spoke so highly of.

It. Blew. My. Mind.

I've had the 100 point Penfolds "Grange", and this was better.

At Cef's recommendation I let it decant in the glass for 30 min while I whipped up late night spicy chicken spaghetti. It sat there dark purple with ruby edges beckoning me and trying my patience (not my strongest virtue). After the obligatory wait time I gave it a sniff, chocolate covered cherries with a hint of wooded licorice rewarded my patience. The Boyfriend who "didn't want a glass" and proceeded to steal mine threw in his couch commentary "it smells like candy!"

When I finally took a sip my mouth was filled with a velvety lucious wine that exploded with flavors of chocolate, wood, spice, and a toasty almost nutty finish. The layered richness was perfectly balanced, no over-powering tannins or alcohol to detract from all the good. I could see this cellaring and improving, but knowing how good this is, it is unlikely it would last 48 hours at my house.

How much was this bottle of amazing? $31.00 yes, that cheap. Go buy it now. You'll thank me, I sure know Cef is getting a hug from me for this wonderful gem.

And yes, it was even better with the spaghetti.