Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut

Apple, honeydew and yeast aromas introduce this perennially consistent brut. A crisp, citrusy mouthfeel and clean nectarine and orange flavors finish with a zip.

The lineup begins with the Non-Vintage Cordon Negro made from the three traditional grape varieties of the Cava DO (Xarel-lo, Macabeu, and Parellada) with the emphasis on the latter for this bottling. It is made in a tasty, friendly style with a dosage of 9 grams making it just off-dry on the palate. It is a cleanly made sparkling wine that can be found in discount stores at well under the suggested retail price.

This balanced Cava is fresh and open-knit, offering easy-drinking flavors of fresh-cut apple, apricot and lemon peel, with a hint of smoke-tinged petrol. Drink now. 1,630,000 cases made, 360,000 cases imported.