Superb Sparkilng from Penedes

Robert de Nola Cava from Penedes, Spain

Reviewed by Michael Godel, David Lawrason, and John Szabo M.S.  from Wine Align

Cava is a sparkling wine from Spain that is made using the traditional method of secondary fermentation in the bottle. It is mainly produced in the Penedes region of Catalonia, where the climate and soil are ideal for growing grapes such as macabeo, xarel-lo, and parellada. Cava can range from dry to sweet, and from white to rosé, depending on the grape varieties and dosage used.

One of the most renowned producers of cava is Robert de Nola, a family-owned winery that dates back to 1898. Robert de Nola cava is made with organic grapes and aged for a minimum of 15 months on the lees, resulting in a complex and elegant wine that expresses the terroir of Penedes. Robert de Nola cava has won several awards and accolades, including 90+ points from Wine Align. The Wine Align team had the opportunity to taste the Robert de Nola Brut Nature NV, a dry and crisp cava that showcases the freshness and minerality of the Penedes region. Here are their impressions:

Michael Godel: "A very fine example of cava that delivers on all fronts: aromas, flavours, texture, and balance. The nose is inviting with notes of apple, pear, citrus, almond, and biscuit. The palate is lively and refreshing with fine bubbles and a long finish. A versatile wine that can pair with a variety of dishes or be enjoyed on its own."

David Lawrason: "This is a classy and refined cava that impresses with its purity and complexity. The nose is subtle but expressive with hints of white flowers, lemon zest, honey, and toast. The palate is dry and crisp with a creamy mousse and a mineral-driven finish. A great value for a high-quality sparkling wine."

John Szabo MS: "This is a superb cava that demonstrates the potential of the Penedes region for producing world-class sparkling wines. The nose is complex and enticing with aromas of green apple, peach, apricot, brioche, and hazelnut. The palate is dry and elegant with a fine balance between fruit, acidity, and autolysis. A long and satisfying finish that leaves you wanting more."

This wine is available for purchase from our website https://www.intravino.ca/product-page/cava-robert-de-nola-brut-nature This a beautiful and complex Cava that is a great complimnet to any festive gathering during the holiday season.

Château le Devoy Martine, Via Secreta, AOP Lirac, Rouge-2019

This wine comes from a family-owned estate in Lirac, a quiet region in the Rhône Valley. Véronique Lombardo, the fourth-generation owner and winemaker of Château le Devoy Martine, makes elegant and complex wines that reflect the terroir of her 40-hectare vineyard. The soil is a mix of clay, gravel and limestone, which gives the wine a smooth and velvety texture. Véronique uses very little oak in her winemaking, and ferments each of the four grape varieties separately in concrete tanks to preserve their purity. She then blends them to create a balanced and expressive wine that showcases the vintage and the region.

Lirac is located across the river from, but has a different soil composition that makes its wines more approachable and silky. Château le Devoy Martine's wine has the rich and ripe fruit flavors that are typical of the Southern Rhône, but with a restrained and subtle style that makes it easy to drink and enjoy.

Château le Devoy Martine, Via Secreta, AOP Lirac, Rouge 2019 has loads of violet and lilac perfume accent fresh, primary blackberry and plum flavors in this irresistibly fruity blend. Voluptuous and immediately likable.Château le Devoy Martine’s broad, silky Via Secreta is one of the Rhône’s great bargains. Located on the plateau of Puisseguin, the terroir is among the appellation’s finest. Clay-limestone soils planted almost exclusively with Merlot. It is a very fruity wine with lots of crunch and finesse. 

Varietal Composition: Mourvèdre (40%), Cinsault (20%), Grenache (20%) and Syrah (20%) 

We are proud to represent Véronique and her wines in our Portfolio. Château le Devoy Martine, Via Secreta, AOP Lirac, Rouge 2019 is available for purchase at Intra Vino Inc.

Michael Godel Wine Align Fizz Guide Review: Champagne Faucheron Gavroy Grand Cru Cuvée Amelina, A.C.

We are proud to announce that our Champagne Faucheron Gavroy Grand Cru Cuvée Amelina, A.C. has received a remarkable score of 94 points from Michael Godel, respected wine journalist and critic, in the Wine Align Annual Fizz Guide. This is a prestigious recognition of our dedication to representing high-quality sparkling wines that reflect the terroir and tradition of the region. We thank you for your continued support and invite you to celebrate with us this great achievement.

From the Verzenay house built by Adonis Faucheron in 1889 and later in the hands of grandson Jean-Marie and his wife Bernadette Gavroy. A mix of chardonnay and pinot noir grown in Verzy, Verzenay and Beaumont-sur-Vesle, with three vineyards classified as Grand Cru, all within the territories of Bisseuil and Avenay-Val-d’Or. Made in a rich, oxidative and toasty style, with gingery spice, citrus and plenty of autolysis. Opulent while restrained and really complex Champagne that stands out of a crowd. Drink 2023-2028. Tasted November 2023.

Wine Align Rating: 94 points