The 2008 Dominio de Tharsys Brut Nature Cava is a blend of Parellada and Macabeo (local grapes, that along with Xarel*lo are the grapes traditionally used to make Cava) sourced from vineyards in the Catalunya (Cava D.O.) region near Barcelona in Northeast Spain. Brut Nature indicates that there was no sugar added during 2nd fermentation and is the most Dry (not sweet) of all the Sparkling wine classifications. Cava is produced with the same method used for Champagne, the 2nd fermentation occurs inside each and every bottle. This Bubbly was aged a minimum of 12 months and the alcohol content is 11.5%.
The color is pale golden yellow, with a flurry of teeny tiny bubbles. The nose is (remember don’t swirl, you can lose the bubbles) citrus, yeasty bread and flowers. This is a smooth, creamy bubbly, the bubbles bring the flavor to your tongue and then disappear. You almost don’t need to swallow, it feels like this Sparkling wine evaporates in your mouth. It tastes of a mix of lemon, grapefruit, golden delicious apple and a strong slap of minerality. The mid palate transitions to dried pear and lime. The Dominio de Tharsys is very, very dry, which gives the expected flavors a nice twist. There is a balanced line of acidity running thru out the body of this Bubbly. The finish is full and keeps your mouth tingling for quite some time.
A vintage designated, well made and interesting Bubbly that sells for $11.99 is a great deal. It is bone dry, which gives the Dominio de Tharsys a very different flavor profile from the usual somewhat sweeter Sparkling wines. There is enough acidity to allow this Bubbly to more than an aperitif, it will stand up to your turkey dinner at Thanksgiving. The Dominio de Tharsys Brut Nature Cava is a serious Sparkling wine, that has a little bit of depth and complexity, it is a very solid Bubbly for the money.
Chicago area wine lovers can find it at Vin Chicago
