Avventura Vintners California Bubble Works

Mission Codename: All That Glitters

Operative: Agent Sparkle

Objective: Procure an outstanding, adventurous and delicious sparkling wine for our Romantic Operatives

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Avventura Vintners

Wine Subject: Sparkling Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker: David Stevens

Backgrounder: With Valentine’s Day approaching, resident Bubbly spy, Agent Sparkle, has been a very busy gal – sleuthing and hunting for the most unique and delicious sparkling treasures that she can find. Today she brings us a remarkable and extraordinary sparkling wine from Napa’s Sun Valley. Read her tasting notes and mission report below for full details.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – An incredible color that falls between copper and peach, with oodles of teeny-tiny bubbles that glide up to the surface in thin columns. Some bubble linger at the sparkling surface while others pop instantly on arrival

Smell – A rush of fresh apricot, nearly-ripe strawberry, vanilla extract, red apple pie, soft cherry and a hint of slate

Feel – This bubbly starts with ultra-fine bubbles that expand in the mouth. The wine is full-bodied and lightly mouth coating and slightly drying at the edges and rear of the mouth

Taste – Full and rich with flavors of apple crumble, cherry, pronounced apricot, fresh bread, cream and a hint of bourbon with an easy minerality

Finish – Starts sweet and light, then flavors ramp upward, peaking somewhat sweet and then tailing off with a mild mouth watering tartness and lingering flavors of apricot

Conclusion – A really wonderful bubbly, with stunning flavors and killer color, astounding aromatics and a unique feel. A perfect accompaniment to your most romantic rendezvous or as an elegant afternoon aperitif. Made in the traditional Méthode Champenoise, this is a serious wine with a seriously fun side.

Mission Report:

My favorite Cabernet Sauvignon, you ask? That’s easy. I go for big but balanced Napa Cabs every time! What does a Napa Cab have to do with today’s sparkling wine, you ask? You ask a lot of questions, don’t you!

Well, I’ll answer by telling you that today’s bubbly wine is a glorious fusion of my two favorites: Sparkling wine and Napa Cab!

I was skeptical, at first, but if hanging around with Agents Red and White have taught me anything, its to keep a wide open mind when it comes to wine. And so, with mind open and palate in perfect tune, I ventured forth to meet with our new friends at Avventura Vintners, the craftspeople behind a most unique and surprisingly delicious Sparkling Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

David Stevens, winemaker (“Bubble Master?”) for Avventura is a former winemaker for Domaine Chandon, a respected Napa Bubblehaus. David’s approach to winemaking is reflected in his sparkling wine. He is part scientist and part creative naturist, imbuing his sparkling wines with all of the art and intelligence of his years of experience.

David’s Cab Sparkler is a beautiful and unique wine with a price that I think is beyond great value. If you are looking for something special to enjoy with someone special, I have to tell you that you must pick up a few bottles of this rare and delicious treat!

Cheers to you and Happy Valentine’s Day!!