The 2006 Gran Claustro Cuvee Especial Gran Reserva is not sold in the USA market but merits a mention anyway. It is a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, and 15% Parellada that spent over 30 months on its lees. A complex bouquet of brioche, almonds, white fruits, and mineral lead to a crisp, dry, but slightly narrow sparkling wine that could possibly fill out with another 1-2 years in bottle. Castillo Perelada’s finest wines are their deluxe still wine cuvees from the DO of Emporda where their magnificent estate (a must for tourists) is located. However, they also produce very good Cavas in a variety of styles. Rose Cava is a wonderful match for Spain’s great hams and Castillo Perelada makes several. Importer: Perelada USA; www.castilloperelada.com