Some corks are pulled on an ordinary day. Others mark a moment you’ll be talking about for the rest of your life. This week’s bottle falls squarely into the second category.
On June 17, 2026, our grandson made his grand entrance into the world — 8 lbs 10 oz, 21.5 inches of pure perfection, and (as two completely unbiased grandparents will tell you) absolutely the most handsome little guy ever to arrive on this planet. Looking just like his dad too! (parents won’t let us post pics of their children…sorry)
We popped the cork on the Avinyó Gran Reserva Cava “La Ticota” Selecció 2017, and it did not disappoint.
In the Glass
This Cava is made from 100% Xarel.lo and aged for 72 months. From the moment the cork was eased from the bottle, a steady stream of fine bubbles rose through the glass, creating an elegant, persistent mousse.
The nose opened with fresh Macintosh apple aromas, while the palate delivered crisp orchard fruit flavors layered with complexity gained from extended aging. A subtle note of lime rind emerged on the finish, adding brightness and freshness to a wine that balanced maturity with vibrancy.
The wine felt refined without being overly serious, a perfect combination for a celebration centered around family, joy, and new beginnings.
What Makes a Gran Reserva Cava Special?
While many wine drinkers are familiar with Champagne, fewer understand the quality levels within Cava.
Cava is Spain’s traditional-method sparkling wine, produced using the same secondary fermentation in bottle that creates Champagne’s signature bubbles. The difference lies in the grapes, terroir, and aging requirements.
A standard Cava must age a minimum of nine months on the lees (spent yeast cells).
A Reserva requires at least 18 months of aging.
A Gran Reserva must spend a minimum of 30 months aging on its lees before release.
The 2017 Avinyó Gran Reserva had ample time to develop these characteristics aging for 72 months, resulting in a wine with elegance, depth, and remarkable balance.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Although we enjoyed this bottle as a celebratory toast, Gran Reserva Cava is exceptionally food-friendly.
Consider pairing it with:
- Complex dishes
- Roasted meat and chicken
- Oysters
- Thai dishes
- Aged cheeses
- Creamy dishes
Final Thoughts
One of the things I love most about wine is its ability to become part of our memories.
Years from now, I may not remember every tasting note from this bottle. But I’ll remember sitting with Paul, raising a glass, and celebrating the arrival of our healthy grandson.
