Codorníu Reina Maria Cristina Blanc de Noirs 2008

Product of: Spain

See more Brut Cava

View 3 cocktails with Cava sparkling wine

View product website

This Blanc de Noirs - claimed to be Spain's first such wine - is made with a blend of 87% Pinot Noir and 13% Chardonnay. It was originally created in 1997 to honour Codorníu's centenary as 'purveyor to the Spanish Royal household', granted by Queen Regent Maria Cristina in 1897.

After pressing and primary fermentation of each variety separately, the wines are blended and sugar and yeast added to encourage a secondary fermentation in the bottle. The wine is aged on the lees for a minimum of 18 months, after which riddling takes place followed by disgorging and dosage to brut classification (residual sugar 8-10 grams per litre).

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 01/02/2011

Appearance:

Clear, straw golden with fine bubbles.

Aroma:

Minerally, floral nose with red fruit (redcurrants) and violets.

Taste:

Yeasty with buttery gooseberry flavours and well balanced acidity.

Aftertaste:

Toffee/sweet caramel notes emerge in the long finish.