Cava is Spain’s sparkling wine, using méthode champenoise for production. D.O. Cava is unique in Spain because it includes five Spanish regions. All other D.O.s consist of only one region. These include Utiel-Requena, Aragón, Ribera del Guadiana, Rioja and Catalunya. However, 85% of Cava comes from Penedés in Catalunya. As the D.O. was established in 1993, Cava was already produced in these other regions creating a unique situation. Officials couldn’t suddenly tell winemakers they couldn’t produce Cava thus the creation of D.O. Cava.

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Winery: Fèlix Massana Ràfols
Wine: Rosé N.V.
Location: Penedès, Spain
Purchased: Fèlix Massana Ràfols Winery
Price: $10.54

Jonathan and I are slowly starting to pop open some of the bottles we bought in Europe. I think we want to savor the memory of the trip as long as possible. Well, at least until our next one. While I’m looking forward to opening these bottles because we relive our journey, it’s also kind of sad for me. I know that if I really like the wine chances are I can’t find it in the U.S. or it’s way too expensive to purchase regularly. Such is the case with the Fèlix Massana Ràfols Rosé. While extremely affordable, they don’t distribut to the U.S. So anyone going to Spain soon?

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Penedès is in Catalonia, the epicenter for Spanish art, music, food and culture. Not to mention it’s a short drive from Barcelona. Known mostly for their Cavas, Spanish sparkling wine, Penedès produces several still wines, both white and red. In fact, still wine was the predominant wine of the region until 1872, when the first Cava was made. And as they say, the rest is history.

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