I joined Codorniu to taste their recently released Codorníu Ars Collecta Collection. Jeff Jensen hosted the virtual tasting, and Bruno Colomer, Winemaker of Codorníu Raventosi, an event to celebrate the Launch of Codorníu Ars Collecta Cava in the USA.
During the tasting, we had some Manchego, and others also enjoyed Jamon Iberico. I love the flavors of Tapas and how de seamlessly pair with Cava, but Codorníu Ars Collecta is not any Cava.
What is unique about Codorníu Ars Collecta?
Cava is unique because it has a refreshing taste and persistent bubbles produced in Spain and is by far the most well-known Spanish Sparkling Wine. Three native grapes from Catalonia—Xarello, Macabeo, and Parellada—are used to make it.
But what happens when you add Chardonnay? Would it still be Cava? The answer is Yes.
For Instance, Codorníu Ars Collecta Cava Brut is produced with the traditional method, which provides continuous and persistent mousse because it goes under second fermentation in the bottle featuring an expressive Chardonnay from Costers del Segre. Of course, it has Xarello that comes from the central plains of Penedès, and the Parellada from high-altitude vineyards in the Pla de Manlleu; both areas with a
Mediterranean climate.
In the same artistic way, Codorníu Ars Collecta Rosé Cava is made predominantly with Pinot Noir, Xarelo, and Trepat considered the Spanish Pinot Noir. According to Bruno Colomer, Trepat has excellent properties to add acidity but not tannins to this Sparkling Wine. In addition, he recommended Codorníu Ars Collecta Rosé Cava with seafood like shrimp and not much seasoning or a light Paella.
I very much like both of them. They are different from what you can find in the current Cava offering, and if you consider yourself a Cava Lover you should try this unique blend of grape varieties.
Meet the Winemaker: Bruno Colomer
During the tasting had the chance to listen to the winemaking artistry of Bruno Colomer. Bruno Colomer has an artistic approach, and his Catalan heritage reflected his winemaking approach and interactions and approach to his winemaking. Since I lived in Barcelona, I felt that warm feeling and exceptional artistic treat you get from the Catalan people paying attention to the small details to deliver a great result. Colomer is no exception to this rule. He carefully oversees the operations in the vineyard. He stated, “Great wine starts in the vineyard .”He insisted that Cava gets refreshing characteristics because it uses different wines from different vintages before bottling until he achieves the flavor he wants on each release.
This flavor profile is based on the legacy of almost five centuries of winemaking expertise. Codorníu is one of the oldest producers, if not the most senior producer, of Cava. They pride themselves on being one of the top producers that are not mass-produced.
Codorníu ARS Collecta will be available in the US market very soon. So stay tuned to Vivino and wine-searcher and keep searching for the Brut and Rosé Cava. They will go fast because the price point for quality is just incredible, so let’s be on the look for this steal.
Stay Tuned in “The Wine Life” for my personal approach to Cava
