Florinda Cava

Florinda Brut Cava, Penedés, Spain | 11.5% | 40% Xarel lo, 30% Macabeo, 30% Parellada | We who love myths, classical painting, and a clever turn of phrase are no doubt tickled by the name of this wine for it was the daughter Florinda La Cava that was seduced by King Roderick of the Visigoths (then holding court in Toledo) when he came upon her bathing (almost like Susanna of the Apocrypha) and was then consumed by his sudden passion for her. This tale however doesn’t end well for this salacious royal, as Florinda’s father in due revenge masterminds Roderick’s demise in a battle handing the Iberian peninsula to Spain. What rings true beyond the name though is the passion inspired by this Cava –a fragrant sparkling wine both fresh and fragrant like an appetizing apricot pastry with both gently baked stone fruit, scents of candied flowers and a wisp of that flakey pastry crust. All scents come to life on the palate and penetrate the senses in a quick and nimble way. Dry and chalk like mineral with a tangy finish that leaves the palate invigorated and would well serve any number of food pairings from quiche to pulpo -but with such a sweet tart and crisp dry sparkler, why bother pairing it with anything at all? It is complete simply sipped on its own. From some of Vallformosa’s oldest vines planted over the first half of the 20th century and having spent 12 months on its lees, this is a stunning mouthful and a great expression of what is seductive about Cava de Penedés.
Wine review by Nicholas Livingston, April 28, 2014 (Fruit)