Jul 13 2008

Cristalino Brut Cava: The Best Budget ‘Champagne’


Cristalino Brut Cava

Cristalino Brut Cava

Let us be clear about this, we’re not rich but we like to feel like we are, so we’re always looking for ways to raise our general quality of life without going broke. Enter the glorious bubbly…

Champagne is perfect for fancy-making. Not only is it sparkly and delicious but it has this ability to sort of magically dress-up anything you pair with it. Unfortunately, as soon as the word ‘Champagne’ is put on a bottle of wine the price goes through the roof…booooooo.

Which is why we suggest you go get some Cristalino Brut Cava. Cava is the spanish answer to Champagne and it’s made by the same ‘Metodo Tradicional’ which means it’s fermented, and naturally carbonated, in the bottle (Methode Champenoise is the fancy french way to say it…doesn’t French always sound fancy?) .

We love this wine. We served it at our wedding and it’s our go-to white for pretty much anything: BBQ, fish, chicken, appetizers, veggies, whatever. It’s crisp, it’s dry, it’s delicious, it’s…it’s…it’s freakin’ cheap!! It’s like $8 a bottle in these parts and almost always on sale somewhere for $6.50 – $7, and then you buy 6 and get 10% off…you get the idea. Trust us, this sparkling wine is a screaming deal and you should go buy it. We try to always have a couple bottles on hand…just in case.

Fancy tasting-wordiness to follow:
a pleasant straw color (i.e.: pale yellowish – looks good)
light, fruity, and fresh on the nose (smells good)
yummy crisp apple and bright citrus-y flavors (tastes good)
and some rather fat but refreshing bubbles (feels good)

Try serving it with the Prosciutto Wrapped Figs with Herbed Goat Cheese and you’re friends will make you famous.

4 Responses to “Cristalino Brut Cava: The Best Budget ‘Champagne’”

  1. I love bubbles! In fact, I think I’ll go buy a bottle to have tonight…

  2. admin says:

    We love bubbles, too. They make everybody happy :) Thanks for commenting!

  3. [...] We categorized this as Vegetables, Sides and Appetizers because, though they’re the perfect side dish, they actually make great, if a bit messy, finger food and they’re really fantastic with Champagne or other Sparkling White Wine. [...]

  4. [...] while back we featured another of our favorite budget-friendly sparkling wines, but lately all of our love has been going [...]

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