Ars Collecta 457 Gran Reserva 2008

A wine whose name changes with the year as it celebrates the number of years the company has existed is currently the 2008 Ars Collecta 457 Gran Reserva. It's a blend of 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir and 10% Xarello selected from three climate subzones in Penedès from their best vineyards from which they produce each of the single varietal bottlings, La Fideuera, El Tros and La Pleta. It fermented in stainless steel and aged for over 90 months in bottle. It's sold with seven grams of residual sugar to compensate the nine grams of acidity and a pH of 2.83. It has a character similar to the rest of the collection, nicely crafted but lacking a bit of complexity and oomph in the palate (perhaps a weaker vintage too), with better balance than the previous edition, possibly because of a lower dosage. 1,000 bottles produced.

A mature and very complex Spanish sparkling wine with an entire spectrum of candied-fruit aromas and some dried-herb notes. Great texture on the palate and a long, dry finish. This can compete with prestige cuvée champagnes. How about a tasting menu at a great restaurant? Drink or hold.