Paul Cheneau Cava

A lot of times when I write about European wineries, I mention that the company goes back over a thousand years and the first labels were made from sheepskin parchment. While wine has been made in Catalonia for over two thousand years, Giró Ribot was founded in 1976, the year of my birth. I suddenly feel much younger.

Giró Ribot uses the motto "Family saga, Autochthonous, Gastronomic". While I think that there might be a translation problem from the native català, I love the use of the earth-born, native adjective autochthonous. Way better than terroir. The winery makes a variety of still and bubbly wines, and the Paul Cheneau marque was designed to showcase Spanish sparkling wines with French styling.

NV Paul Cheneau Brut Rosé
Penédes, Spain
85% Trepat, 15% Pinot Noir
$16, 11.5% abv.

I love a sparkling rosé, and it's even more fun when it's made from an unusual grape. I really wish I could have shown up to a party of fellow wine enthusiasts with a bottle of sparkling Trepat. It has bright cherry aromas and flavors but is completely dry. Tart and refreshing with a crisp finish.

NV Paul Cheneau Brut
Penédes, Spain
45% Macabeo, 40% Xarel-lo, 10% Chardonnay, 5% Parellada
$16, 12% abv.

Crisp and austere with slight nuttiness and toast. Dry with a mineral finish. A really pleasant Cava, and one that would be perfect to serve at a wedding or party.

NV Paul Cheneau "Lady of Spain" Brut
Penédes, Spain
45% Macabeo, 40% Xarel-lo, 15% Parellada
$13, 12% abv.

I got an extra bottle of this over the holidays and served it with appetizers at New Year's Eve. Green apple and lemon with big bubbles and tart acidity. Nice apple finish, and delightful with fried chicken. An excellent casual sparkler.

NV Paul Cheneau Demi-Sec
Penédes
45% Macabeo, 40% Xarel-lo, 10% Chardonnay, 5% Parellada
$15, 11.5% abv.

Mildly sweet with a nice creamy body. Apricot flavors with a tart, quick finish. Definitely one for dessert with some fruit and soft white cheeses, and a few shortbread cookies.

NV Paul Cheneau Reserva Brut Blanc de Blancs
Penédes
45% Macabeo, 40% Xarel-lo, 15% Parellada
$16, 12% abv.

This one was the most French in execution, and despite the native Spanish grapes, it could stand well against similarly priced blanc de blanc wines made from Chardonnay in France or California. Excellent balance of mild fruit and acidity with small bubbles and a light, tingling finish. It's probably one of the best Cavas I've ever tried, and is highly recommended.

Note: These wines were received as samples.