Keep those summer sparklers cool
How is it we can find two guys driving in a car but we can’t find and destroy armed convoys or gangs of armed thugs in the middle of the desert? Makes one wish to have a couple of sips of wine, so I did. This week it is about family dinner, Cavi and Prosecci.
Barbara and I had family and some longtime pals over for crab cakes, tomato salad and sweet corn. We used all the crabmeat from local crabs, six crushed Ritz crackers/lb., 1 large egg, a tad of Hellmann’s, dry mustard, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, a splash of “watsthishere” sauce, and some Burnin Mojo or Sriracha, depending on the crowd. Tomato and corn are at their peak. Use a lot of tomato with just a little fresh basil, red & green pepper, cucumbers from the garden, some sweet onion, S&P and XVOO, hold the vinegar. The tomatoes supply enough acidity for me. Corn that is well chosen needs nothing. However, at chez McD it is de rigueur to roll your own, if you choose. Only one pass allowed, and then please employ a spreader. Barb always places those cute little picks that appear to be used to keep your paws clean. So far, I don’t remember their being used. When I moved “down the shore” I considered that to be a sad commentary on my new pals' etiquette, but I quickly learned that pickin' crabs, gnawin' corn from the cob and slurpin' a slab of watermelon, seed spittin' unacceptable, adds to their enjoyment, especially since the invention of cravats. One last thought. I don’t write many detailed recipes since reading this from Careme, “Tous les goûts sont dans la nature.” Antonin Careme was the bomb. Until you have read him, you’re only dabbling.
Casal Garcia Espumante Vinho Verde 2014 is not available yet. A sample came in with the Portuguese wines I described last week and they deserve a mention. Lovely aperitif wine, nice small bead, pale green tint, opens floral and green apple nose, medium-dry, clean finish. Barbara made a sponge cake layered with raspberry and orange sorbet, excellent matchup. Should come on market around $12 or less, 2 price points, McD 88 points.
Late-breaking news as of Sept. 2 - Casal Garcia wines are available at Kreston Wine & Spirits in Wilmington.
Jaume Serra Cristalino NV Cava Brut is made methode champenoise, where secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle in which it is sold. Regulars are sick of me explaining the process. Any curious new readers can contact me to learn. Or go here for a fairly comprehensive look at various production methods: www.winespectator.com/glossary/index/id/GL_m%C3%A9thode_champenoise. Cristolino spends 18 months on lees (sediment and spent yeast). Another sparkler with tiny, bubbly bead, it opens to citrus and apple aromas. The tart apple runs to the palate with mineral and toast support. It finishes cleanly, due to appropriate levels of acidity. Keep this cool! Under $10, 87 McD points. Another Spanish sparkler that is a bit upscale, at $17 or less a real bargain price and good value, is Juvé y Camps Reserva de la Familia Gran Reserva Brut Nature Cava 2010. CellarTracker gave it a stingy 88 points. They must have sampled it warm. I agree with WS in this case. This Reserva is worth 91 to me. Remember, most Cava cellars and improves. Also keep in mind that Brut Nature are drier than Brut. Labeling goes: Brut Nature, Brut, Extra Dry, Seco, Semi Seco and Dulce. Pale golden-colored it opens to complex notes of peach, apricot, green tea, earth and citrus. Flavors follow nose. It finishes clean as dry acidity provides cleansing. Made of free-run juice. Finally for this week, let me tell you about Naveran Brut Vintage Rosado 2013. Estate-grown grapes, Pinot Noir 60 percent and 40 percent Parellada, 18 months on lees, I saw a case for sale at $162/12. Figure around $16-17 for a 750 ml. Fine bead and a pale rose color tinted with orange, 85 points, possibly PN is not a great grape for these climates.
Email John McDonald at chjonmc@yahoo.com.
