($25):  Raventós i Blanc, one of Spain’s leading producers of sparkling wines, left the Cava consortium because they felt the standards were too low.  So, instead of bottling their excellent sparkling wines as Cava, they label them Conca del Riu Anoia, a new D.O.  The wines remain consistently excellent.  Take the bright and subtlety fruity rosé, the 2021 de Nit.  It marries a hint of fresh strawberry-like fruit with a distinct and welcome mineral component, all supported by a firm spine of acidity.  Great for a celebration, of course, it also has plenty of structure and oomph to stand up to spicy food.
91 Michael Apstein Jan 30, 2024