Freixenet Carta Nevada Premium-Cava Dry

Carta Nevada is one of Freixenet's founding cavas, sitting alongside Cordon Negro in the range. It is made from the three traditional cava grapes, Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada, grown in Catalonia, and follows the traditional method with a second fermentation in bottle and lees ageing. The dosage here sits at the Dry, or Seco, level, which leaves a touch more roundness than a brut and makes for an easy, crowd-pleasing style, while the lees contact still gives a gentle toasted character.

The wine is a bright straw yellow with a fine bead. The nose shows apple, pear and quince over citrus and a soft toasted note, while the palate is fruity and balanced with a rounder, off-dry edge and a clean finish. Serve well chilled at 6 to 8 degrees in a white wine glass. It makes an easy aperitif and suits white fish, shellfish, salads and lighter poultry.