This is one of the finest Champagne imitations, or Cavas, I have tasted from Spain. Aged on its lees for two years, the 2009 Naveran Dama Cava is a blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Parellada. Crisp notes of apple skins, brioche, baking spices and pears emerge from this fragrant, medium-bodied sparkler. It possesses tiny, uniformed bubbles, impressive purity and a heady finish. Consume it over the next 1-2 years.
Importer: Ole and Peninsula Wines (Patrick Mata),New Rochelle, NY; tel. (914) 740-4724; Fax (413) 254-8923; www.oleimports.com