Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
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    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
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    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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It’s rare to be the first to do something, and continue to do it well for hundreds of years.  To find inspiration around you, and reinvent yourself, it takes a certain discipline and dedication, to grow and evolve, even if it’s uncertain that you will succeed.  This is what the winemakers of Codorníu Cava have done, by expanding their selection of Spanish sparkling wine in two directions, single vineyard and fresh modern wines, the brand is elevating, modernizing, and adding to their already impressive range of Cava.
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Matthew Kaner explains what makes the ARS Collecta Cavas so special
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Equally as rare, Codorníu visited Los Angeles recently, to unveil this two-pronged approach to the art of celebration.  Over lunch at Ray’s & Stark Bar, the charms of these new players in their Cava lineup were displayed, with a presentation by Matthew Kaner of Bar Covell and Augustine wine bar fame.  From the fresh Anna Cavas to the pedigreed Ars Collecta, there is an OMG moment, when you realize that the company has been making wine for 457 years, and pioneered the use of the traditional method for making Spanish sparkling wine, producing Cava for the past 145 years!  You realize that while the company is steeped in history, it’s looking to the future, offering value and quality.  For Codorníu, success is forged in the crucible of family and history.
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In 1659, Anna Codorníu, heiress to the Codorníu winemaking family, married winemaker Miquel Raventós, and ignited a wine dynasty that continues to this day.  Codorníu Raventós is the oldest family business in Spain, continuously producing wine since 1551, for 457 years.  Channeling tradition with innovation, Josep Raventós first launched Spain’s version of sparkling wine in 1872, blending the traditional white grapes for Cava (Parellada, Xarel-lo, and Macabeo) into a cuvée that was produced in the same way as French Champagne, the traditional method of secondary fermentation.  This revolutionized sparkling wine production in Spain, with Codorníu the driving force, elevating their cuvées with the addition of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, another first for Spanish sparklers.  Today, Codorníu is rolling the dice once again, betting that Cava lovers will want more specific types of sparkling wines for different occasions.

​Produced at Codorníu’s flagship winery, Sant Sadurní d’Anoia or better known as the Cathedral of Cava, their extensive range of Cava wines are patiently nurtured from the vineyards where the grapes are grown to the cellars where the bottles are aged.  Freshness and personality define the different bottlings.  With seven different versions of sparkling wines, the aim is to be a Cava for all reasons, everyday to special occasion.


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The Ars Collecta represents the best of Codorníu Cava, single vineyard blends of the highest quality, that are terroir-driven.  A decade in the making, these wines were first released in 2016, with Codorníu bucking tradition by incorporating three different varietals, from three different landscapes and three different states of the Cava Appellation.  Chardonnay comes from Finca La Pleta vineyard in Segrià, shallow soils and extreme Continental climate conditions which concentrate the aromas and flavors in these grapes; Pinot Noir comes from Finca El Tros Nou vineyard in Conca de Barberà, “licorella” soils (clay and slate) and lots of stones, a Mediterranean-Continental cool climate with coastal breezes that allow the grapes to slowly ripen; and Xarel-lo from Finca La Fideuera vineyard in Alt Penedès, limestone gravel soils and Mediterranean day-night temperature swings that promote aromas, acidity, and structure in the grapes.  Wind is an important aspect, three winds (Xaloc, Mistral, and Tramontana) shape the terroirs, breathing what they believe is the “spirit and temperament” into the final wines.  Crafted in a smaller winery within the winery, Celler Jaume has been refashioned as a sort of experimental laboratory for their “mad Mediterranean genius”, where the Ars Collecta Cavas, limited editions and numbered bottles, are a work in progress, a gamble for the future of the brand.
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The Ars Collecta Jaume Codorníu Gran Reserva Brut 2012, 42.5% Chardonnay, 42.5% Pinot Noir, and 15% Xarel-lo, is intense and complex, aromas of ripe fruit (peach and melon) dance with savory notes of nuts, toasty bread, and yeast, the creamy mousse and long finish define its elegance.  This Gran Reserva Cava, with only 20,000 bottles produced, has a more classic, savory Spanish Cava profile.  Only the best grapes from the oldest vineyards make the cut, in this homage to Jaume de Codorníu, the founder, which retails for $50.
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The Ars Collecta Finca La Pleta Gran Reserva Brut 2007, 100% Chardonnay, is the smallest production, only 300 bottles made, and one of the three single vineyard bottlings.  Night harvesting of the grapes and gentle handling throughout the winemaking process ensure an elegant wine.  The delicate mousse releases intense aromas of stone fruit and white flowers, a creaminess on the palate along with the texture makes for a very nice mouthfeel, with a long finish.  This wine is a testament to what Chardonnay brings to sparkling wine, an elegance that is inherent in the grape, and defines the wine, which sells for $90.
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The Ars Collecta 456 Gran Reserva Brut 2007, 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, and 10% Xarel-lo, combines all three terroirs in what is considered the “masterpiece” of the Collecta, a tribute to the 456 vintages that is the Codorníu brand.  Fine bubbles and a creamy mousse crown this seductive wine, with its yeasty, savory notes (brioche, almond, bread dough) swirling around a core of ripe fruit (bruised apple, strawberry, a tropical fruit note) and white flowers.  Only 1,000 bottles are produced of this richer Cava, a real stunner that channels its time in bottle and its origins of excellent fruit and winemaking expertise, and comes in at $150 for the bottle. ​
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The Anna de Codorníu “lifestyle” Cava collection are value priced wines that are designed to be a part of everyday life, from aperitif to dessert wine.  Beautifully wrapped in festive packaging, they are fresh, fruity, and effervescent Cavas whose easy appeal and distinctive personalities make them stand out from the crowd, and retail under $15.
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The Anna de Codorníu Blanc de Blancs Brut Reserva, 70% Chardonnay, 15% Parellada and 15% of both Xarel-lo and Macabeo, is fresh and crisp, with good acidity and fine, lively bubbles.   Chardonnay is blended with the three traditional cava grapes, and aged for 15 months on its lees in bottle, which gives the wine texture and brioche notes.  Aromas of citrus, apple, pineapple, and buttered toast swirl in the glass. Smooth and creamy on the palate, it tastes of yellow apple and citrus, which lingers on the finish.  This delicate bubbly, perfect on its own or a versatile partner with food, really popped alongside the Yellowtail Crudo with Kumquats and Cucumber Aguachile.
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The Anna de Codorníu Brut Rosé, 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, is refreshing, with captivating aromas of strawberry and cherry, and a hint of green apple carried up through the effervescent bubble stream.  Well balanced, with crisp acidity keeping the richer red fruit flavors from weighing it down, it’s an elegant wine that is extremely food friendly, and was served with a Chicken Breast with English Peas and Spring Salad, its freshness would be a great counterpoint to many other foods.
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The Anna de Codorníu Dulce Anna, 70% Chardonnay, 15% Parellada, and 7.5% of both Xarel-lo and Macabeo, is classified as a sweet cava, but it is more fruity and round, with that same freshness that seems to define the Anna cavas, and really not that sweet.  Designed to accompany desserts and cheeses, its balance makes it delicious to drink on its own as an aperitif or made into a cocktail.  Aromas of white flowers and white peach dance on the fleshier body, kept fresh and vibrant through crisp acidity.  It was a revelation when served alongside the Passion Fruit Mousse with Honey Lavender Ice Cream!
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Next time you’re ready to pop the cork, try the world of Codorníu Cavas, most are widely available, except for the Ars Collecta, which are a limited production, while the Anna sparklers are affordable enough to enjoy daily.