Canals Canals NV Cava Rosé Reserva NV

Memorable bordering on preoccupying, this is a deep garnet-hued organic Cava made from 60% Monastrell and 40% Garnacha. Rich, vinous fruit notes of ripest rasperries, sultry mirabelle plum, bitter cranberry, and ripe red apple skins is braided into a bone-dry bundle with broad dry earth and spice galore: peppercorns on the attack, cloves in the middle, and cayenne on the finish. The structure is opulent; the flavors, while broad, feel somewhat austere. If this sounds contradictory, it's because Canals Canals is different and special. A fascinating foil for salty pork products, spicy burgers, pastas featuring sausage, hearty soups, and chocolatey things.