Rondel Brut Cava is on of the most popular wines I’ve ever reviewed on First Pour Wine.  While generally speaking non-vintage sparkling isn’t going to fluctuate wildly year to year, it seemed worth while to revisit Rondel Brut Cava on the heels of one of the best months ever for First Pour.  Plus, the split (a 1/4 of a standard bottle, 187ml) was cute, and we’re going into what should be a great 2016.  So is Rondel Brut Cava doing as well as First Pour is?

Sight:  A moderate gold with an enormous number of bubbles.

Smell:  Hints of caramelized apples and bready yeast play at the start.  Lemon and pear back up some of the yeasty notes.

Sip:  The start is bright, and the bubbles are smooth despite being so prevalent.  A huge amount of fresh apple and lemon leap out in front, and are combine with a good amount of pastry like yeast in the background.  The acidity is well balanced with the moderate weight of the body, which benefits the lack of sugar well keeping it from being bitter.

Savor:  The ending is clean with a bit of lemon, pear skin, and yeast.  The finish carries on a little longer than expected.

Overall, Rondel Brut Cava is very well balanced and has easy going apple, pear, and lemon flavors.  The yeastiness is a nice touch that I don’t remember from last time, but the fruit is still compelling.  The balance between acidity, body, weight, and sweetness is also fantastically done for a bottle under $10.

Verdict:  Lemon, Apple, Toast, Balanced
Price: $3 for a Split or $10 for a full bottle
Spain