New Years
Eve is full of magics, hopes and promises. In Nordic countries molding
of tin is a traditional way to foretell about the future for the New Year. In
Spain there is another custom for the same fortune-telling. Celebrators may
have a bottle of cava ready for the turn of the year. So only grapes are needeed
in addition.
Grapes
brings luck
Spanish tradition, Twelve grapes
(Las doce uvas de la suerte), is wine orientated way to celebrate New Year’s
Eve and ensuring prosperity and luck. Bubbly habit got its existing way over
100 year ago. Accordingly people gather before New Year’s Eve to hear bell
strike at midnight. In Spain Puerta del Sol’s square in Madrid is The place for
the amusement. The tradition consits of eating a grape with each bell strike. Eating
twelve grapes in time gives you properity and good luck for the next year. Feliz
año!
Italian sparklings are rich in nuances and in elegance.
Glass of wine:
Cava Gran Claustro Perelada. Spain, Penedes 2011. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Xarel-lo, Macabeo, Parelada.
Pale yellow colour, with hints of green. On the nose ripe fruit aromas and ageing tones. Well balanced taste, slightly fruity, bonedry(1,2g/l), smooth and broad.in the mouth.
Parés Baltà Blanca Cusiné. Spain, Penedes. Xarel-lo, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir.
Yellow color with golden tints. On the nose complex and subtle aroma with delicate notes of almonds, hazelnuts, honey and prickly pear. In the mouth fresh and round, with flavors of almonds and honey. Biodynamic.
Cava Guilera Musivari Brut Nature Gran Reserva. Spain, Penedes 2006. X-lo, Mac, Parel. Aging 9 years.
Pale colour with shades of gold; long and mild aftertaste, mature fruit flavour, apple flavour, toasted and cinnamon flavours. Strong character but mild to the palate, fine and persistent fizz, very well integrated.
Astoria Prosecco Extra Dry. Italy 2015. Glera.
Pale yellow, pear fruit on the nose and on the palate semidry (16g/l), citrus aromas, persistent fiss and lush.
Gancia Asti Dolce. Italy, Asti. Moscato Bianco di Canelli.
Straw yellow colour with golden reflexes. Bouquet aromatic with hints of exotic fruit, sage and honey. On the palate sweet(85g/l), fruity and balanced.
Tommasi Perla Apassionato Brut. Italy. Pinot Noir.
Straw-colored, fruit aromas on the nose and on the palate dry (8,2g/l), balanced acidicy and minerality.
Text and photos: Heikki Remes
www.viinimies.com