In addition to a feast of honey-barbecue ribs, grilled mushrooms, corn, mac-and-cheese, and homemade bread, we also indulged in some Cava last night (Spanish sparkling wine).

My friend treated us to the bottle: a Campo Viejo Brut Reserva (thanks Emo!).

It was the first time I had ever tried Cava – to be perfectly honest I never thought much about the Spanish making sparkling wine – I’m usually focused on the tempranillo.

It was absolutely paralyzing weather in Santa Barbara yesterday – we were glued to our back patio – and when you held the glass up to the sun, you could see all the bubbles rising through the clear, yellow-tinted wine.

My first sip was cold on the tongue – very refreshing – and as the glass warmed up the flavors came out (white fruit) and the finish remained smooth.

I would recommend picking one up if you see it as you peruse the aisles next time you’re at the store.

It’s a really nice option for a summer night – maybe with a little bit of music and some good friends and the smell of the barbecue in the background.

Update: My friend (Boomer) just informed me that he’s tried “the pink one” before and that it’s really good, and he wanted me to pass along the word.

Ha, the pink one – we’re so classy around here.

Wake and Wander to the rescue – I think he’s referring to the Cava Brut Rose.