Bodegas Escudero / Dioro Baco, Cava (La Rioja, Spain) Brut Rosado Pinot Noir ($20, Kysela Pere et Fils)

For five generations, the Escudero family has cultivated high-altitude vineyards in Rioja. Now, under the stewardship of brothers Amador and Juan Carlos, the bodega defies convention by crafting exceptional Cava in a Rioja – traditionally known for still wines (just as a tiny percentage of Cava D.O. wines are sourced from outside Spain’s Catalonia region). Their vineyards, situated at an elevation of 700–800 meters, yield grapes that produce wines with remarkable brightness and freshness. This 100% Pinot Noir sparkling wine showcases vibrant aromas and flavors of tart strawberries, white cherries, fresh raspberries, and tangerine. The palate is zesty, with a creamy, lees-influenced finish. Versatile and elegant, this wine is perfect as an after-work aperitif or a complement to seafood dishes.
95 Miranda Franco