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December 7, 2020 | Raul Ramirez

Champage and Cava: similitudes and differences.

CHAMPAGNE, CAVA OR SPARKLING WINE

Methode Champanoise or Traditional
The second fermentation occurs entirely inside the bottle. It is a natural way to produce the bubbles. Both, champagnes and cavas, use this method to produce the sparkling wine. It is the most costly in terms of production, and the best in terms of quality.

RAUL RAMIREZ Costa Blanca is made with this method.

Sparkling wines production can use different methods. To learn more click here: https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/how-sparkling-wine-is-made/

Origin protected

Champagne is from France and Cava from Spain. But only from Champagne Appellation of Origen, and only from Catalonia and specific towns from different areas of Spain. Because of that, the words "Champagne" and "Cava" are protected, and reserved only for labels from these regions.

Here comes the sun:
Different origins, different weather. Average temperature in the Champagne area is around 9°C/48°F. This is the limit to ripe the grapes, so it is allowed a process known as "chaptalization": adding sugar to the juice to produce the alcohol necessary in fermentation of the base wine. In CAVA areas from Spain, where average temperature is 15°C/59°C, they don;t need to add sugar to the fermentation and it is a forbidden process.

The similar mediterranean climate of our vineyard in the heart of Temecula Valley (Southern California) is perfect to grow the white varieties mostly used in CAVA production.

The harvest
Because of the weather, harvests in North of France are more variable, and Champagne is usually a blend of wines from different harvests. Only when a harvest is exceptional is indicated the year on the label with the word "Millesime".

CAVA is made with a blend of wines from the same harvest.

The grapes

Most of the grapes used to produce champagne are reds (Pinot Noit and Pinot Meunier). In addition, Chardonnay is used too. So it is a white wine made mostly with red grapes (blanc de noirs).

To make CAVA is only used white grapes (Macabeo, Xare.lo and Parellada). It is called "blanc de blancs": white wine made with white grapes.

RAUL RAMIREZ Costa Blanca is a blend of Macabeo and Xarel.lo.

How many time is aged?

Once bottles have finished the second fermentation, they will be aging before its release. Minimum time of aging for CAVA is 9 months. The minimum for Champagne is 15 months. A CAVA with 30 months can be called "Gran Reserva". A Champagne "Millesime" needs a mininum of 36 months of aging.

RAUL RAMIREZ Costa Blanca is a "Gran Reserva" that has been maturing in bottles with its lees for 48 months.

Is sweet?:
There is a Champagne sweetness scale and Cava as well: From Brut Nature (0-3 gr/L residual sugar) to Doux (50+ gr/L).

Usually, Champagnes are BRUT (6-12 gr/L). Premium Cavas are usually Brut Nature.

RAUL RAMIREZ Costa Blanca BRUT has 10 gr/L residual sugar.

/product/2015-Vintage-Gran-Reserva-Cava-Style

Dec 7, 2020 at 11:06 AM

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August 5, 2020 | Raul Ramirez

Wines for Summer

2016 Estate Verdejo

Temecula Valley. 100% Verdejo. 14,2% by volume. 750 ml. Clean and transparent pale yellow color. Aromatic fruity aromas of peach and apricot. Some notes of fresh cut hay. The balanced acidity gives freshness. Dry finish.
Pair with seafood, white fish, rice and vegetables.
Poor chill (45-55 F).

2017 Estate Macabeo

2017 Estate 100% Macabeo. Temecula Valley. 13.7 % by volume. 750 ml.

Mango, banana and a hint of spice on the palate characterize this bright white wine made in California from a varietal native from Spain.

2017 Estate Garnacha Blanca

Temecula Valley. 100% Garnacha Blanca. 13.6% by volume. 750 ml.

This is a bright white wine with a soft mouthfeel tanks to the small amount of 20% French new oak. You´ll taste baked pears and white peppers on the finish.

It matches good with spiced dishes, roast chicken, vegetables and softer creamy cheeses.

2017 Estate Xarel.lo

Temecula Valley. 100% Xarel.lo 13,6 % by volume. 750 ml.
Pale yellow with light golden hues. Brilliant, crisp and vibrant. Fresh nose with citric and peach aromas. Herbal hints. Long finish. Pair with salads, vegetable dishes, seafood, shellfish or creamy cheeses.
Poor chill (45-55 F).

2018 Estate Rosado

Temecula Valley. 100% Tempranillo. 13% by volume. 750 ml.
Strawberries. rose hips, and a hint of raspberry candy will make your mouth water. This rose is bright and bone dry.
Enjoy with Spanish tapas, paella, pasta and cold cuts.
Poor chill (45-55 F).

Peach SANGRIA

80% Red wine, 20% White wine Alcohol 13.9% 750 ml

Made from fine wine, this flavorful sangria wine is only slightly sweet, and bursting with the flavors of stone fruit.

Add some fruit, throw over ice, and enjoy the perfect summer aperitif!

Orange SANGRIA

80% Red wine, 20% White wine Alcohol 13.9% 750 ml.

Made from fine wine, this flavorful sangria wine is only slightly sweet, and bursting with citrus flavor. Add some fruit, throw over ice, and enjoy the perfect summer aperitif!

Aug 5, 2020 at 10:09 AM

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