Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava, Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut

The  other day the rep from my distributor asked me if I  ever tasted Jaume Serra Cristalino.  I said I hadn't.  She mentioned that at one of her other accounts it sells very well.  The next day in my trade magazine I read that Jaume Serra Cristalino has a 7% share of the imported sparkling wine market.  That's the same share as Veuve Clicquot and Moet & Chandon (excluding Dom Perignon), and just 3% below Freixenet (which is my old reliable stand-by).  I also noticed the label had a disclaimer - "Jaume Serra Cristalino is not affiliated with, sponsored by, approved by, endorsed by, or in any way connected to Louis Roederer's CRISTAL champagne or Louis Roederer."  Besides, it's that time of year when customers ask me for recommendations on sparkling wine.  Based on all of the above, this wine was a must try.   

Jaume Serra Cristalino ($9) is a non-vintage Brut Cava from Catalonia, Spain.  A nice bubbly Cava and I felt I couldn't tell the difference between it and Freixenet ($11).  So, I had to do what I had to do and open a bottle of Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut (like I said, it's my stand-by and I keep it on hand in the house - I love to cook with it) and taste them side by side.  I must say they are quite comparable.  Hard pressed to tell the difference.  Not sure if I'll stick with my old stand-by or switch because Jaume Serra Cristalino is less expensive.    

Several of my tastings this week have been on Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut and it sells quite well.

Winemaker's Notes:  Straw color, smooth and fresh aromas; fine and fruity palate with a dry aftertaste. Clean, dry and crisp with citrus and apple flavors.