BOHIGAS | Extra Brut | Cava | Gran Reserva | 2019
xarello | macabeo | parellada | chardonnay
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Tonight we are going to review a genuine Cava sparkling wine from Spain – Extra Brut Cava Gran Reserva 2019 by Cavas Bohigas. Cava is the spanish answer to the famous french Champagne sparkling wine, and similar to Champagne, the longer the Cava wine ages on fine lees, the more toasty and nutty aromas it will develop. This particular wine is a blend of 4 grape varieties: 50% xarello, 25% macabeo, 15% parellada and 10% chardonnay, where xarello (often spelled as ‘xarel·lo’) and chardonnay forms the wine’s main body and structure, macabeo (spelled also as maccabéo or maccabeu) adds some floral character to the blend, while parellada enhances the wine’s complexity and rounds up the final blend. Cava wines are produced using the authentic méthode traditionelle technique, the same way Champagne wines are made, with second fermentation in the bottle. This particular wine has been aged for 30 months on fine lees (sur lie ageing), which allowed it to develop extra complexity and the much desired creaminess on the palate. That said and without further ado, let’s move on straight to the tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:
//Visual
color: medium-deep yellow color
clarity: bright straw-yellow yellow hues
//Olfactory
intensity: powerful & leesy
fruit character: ripe & overripe
On the first nose, this sparkling wine delivers a burst of ripe and overripe fruit character, with notes of yellow apples, asian pear and quince in the foreground, complemented by nuanced leesy and yeasty undertones, that hint at long term ageing on fine lees. As the wine breathes, very subtle hints of honey and beeswax emerge in the background, adding a touch of creamy richness to the inviting bouquet.
//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium | tannin: low | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: crisp & velvety
The palate mirrors the nose with a rich explosion of ripe citrus and yellow fruit flavors that dance alongside those nuanced yeasty hints. The effervescence is lively and refreshing, cutting through the crisp acidity that provides a clean backbone. Despite a touch of warming alcohol, the palate remains round and lean, with a surprisingly velvety aftertaste that lingers pleasantly. Overall, this sparkling wine offers a satisfying balance between richness and refreshment, mostly thanks to its well structured profile.
//Verdict
maturity: developing | drink now or within the next 3 or 4 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary
All in all, this sparkling wine is a delightful surprise. Its aromatic richness seamlessly translates onto the well rounded palate – a wine that showcases remarkable balance, offering a complex interplay of flavors without sacrificing structure. While not overly complex, it delivers a harmonious and well-structured tasting experience, perfect for those seeking a touch of elegance alongside rich fruit character.
//Scoring
BOHIGAS | Extra Brut | Cava | Gran Reserva | 2019
variety: xarello | macabeo | parellada | chardonnay
country: Spain
region: Cava
rating: 94.0
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This is definitely a great wine of Spain and with a total of 94.0 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.
Pairing: Taking into account the wine’s bright acidity and rich fruit character, we would suggest to pair it with lighter dishes that won’t overpower the wine’s elegance. A seafood salad with a citrus vinaigrette would be lovely, as the wine’s crispness would complement the freshness of the seafood. Alternatively, try a seafood paella Valenciana. The saffron and paprika flavors in the paella will find harmony in the wine’s subtle honeyed notes, while the richness of the dish will be balanced by the wine’s lively acidity. This pairing would allow the wine’s rich fruit character to shine, while at the same time, highlighting this flavorful spanish classic dish. Enjoy!
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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
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