Sparkling Cuvee Spanish

Macabeo is the backbone grape of Cava, grown across north eastern Spain and valued for its acidity and citrus character. Edenvale's Expedition Series takes it from Spain and blends it with Chardonnay for stone fruit weight, then removes the alcohol to below 0.5 percent. The result is crisp, with citrus and apricot aromas and a tingle of acid on the finish. Huon Hooke reviewed it for The Real Review and awarded a Bronze Ribbon, noting poached stone fruit aromas, a rubbery hint typical of Macabeo, and a touch more palate weight than the same maker's Blanc de Blanc. Tapas is the obvious call at the table. Manchego, olives, almonds, smoked salmon, prosciutto or serrano ham on a charcuterie board all work well against it.