Looking for a bottle of bubbly to usher in 2025? Or say adios to 2024? Why not try a bottle of Gelida pinot noir brut réserva Cava from Barcelona, Spain?
Cava, which is made in the same method as Champagne, is one bottle that I pick up when I happen to see an unfamiliar label on the shelf. They are always reasonably priced and high in quality. I found this $21.99 rosé, made from 100% hand harvested pinot noir, on the shelf at Heinen’s in Hudson. And, boy, did I hit the jackpot with this one.
Vins el Cep of Barcelona is the first Cava producer to use biodynamic practices and proudly label each bottle as certified organic.
Tiny enthusiastic bubbles ascended to the top of my first glass. My senses were greeted with subtle strawberry aromas with hints of fresh baked croissants. Definitely the best bottle of Cava that I’ve ever had. The pairings are seemingly endless with this rosé. I relished my first few sips with a handful of sweet and spicy kettle cooked chips from Hartville Potato Chips in Akron, which you can find at Beau’s Bistro & Bar and Acme Fresh Market locations.
Maryland crabcakes and sparkling wine are one of my favorite indulgences. I lived in Maryland for 10 years before coming back home to work at the Akron Beacon Journal in 1995. Each year, I order 50 ounces of the best crabcakes on the planet from Pappas Seafood Co. in Baltimore. And they were really spectacular with the Gelida rosé. I also picked up a dozen of owner Paula Willey’s sauerkraut balls from pw Cheers in Barberton. They were quite flavorful without any dipping sauce and went perfectly with the bubbles. Definitely worth the drive from Cuyahoga Falls.
The evening came to a crescendo when I finished my glass with a dark chocolate covered fig from Mitica, which can be found at Heinen’s in Hudson, Market District in Cuyahoga Falls, and Beau’s Bistro & Deli.
Happy New Year 2025! My next column will be on Sunday, Jan. 12.
Buy this wine at Meyers Lake Beverage in Canton, Cornerstone Market in Munroe Falls, Krieger’s Market in Cuyahoga Falls, Beau’s Bistro & Bar in Copley, Heinen’s in Hudson, River Merchant in Kent, Corkscrew Johnny’s in Richfield, Vinifera Wine & Whiskey in Cuyahoga Falls, Pitchfork in Bath, Top Shelf of Ohio in Jackson Township, and Village Martini & Wine Bar in Chagrin Falls.
Email me at philyourglass@gmail.com with any wine questions and follow me on Instagram @pmasturzo_philyourglass
More: Sparkling wines can be great for celebrations without being Champagne | Phil Your Glass
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Add some sparkle to the new year with Cava from Barcelona | Phil Your Glass