4 and 6 bottle levels   $24 (member price $21)
60% Xarel-lo, 30% Macabeo, 10% Parellada  12.5% ABV

Loxarel is another winery that has left behind the Cava designation.  These folks believe that the rules/regs of Cava aren’t strict enough, and they want to set their wineries apart.  They were founded in 1987 by Josep Mitjans, a 4th generation winegrower.  Loxarel’s home vineyard – the source of grapes for this sparkler is about 45 minutes west of Barcelona’s airport at about 800 feet of elevation.  Named for Amaltea, Zeus's foster goat mother who suckled life back into the young god.  Brut Nature refers to the zero sugar in the dosage, so this wine is bone-dry, but has enough fruit for balance.  It’s aged for 2 years on the lees, and my notes include “Deep in flavor for modestly priced sparkling.“  Brioche, lemon, lime, red apple skin.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
These bubbles are the perfect aperitif, and just as effortlessly transition to a meal and even dessert. Enjoy this sparkler with roasted halibut over creamy garlic whipped potatoes; mustard-roasted pork loin over butternut squash polenta; panko-crusted chicken over mixed greens with a sliver of Brie; chicken in a rosé cream sauce over wild rice; tomato, basil and mozzarella topped flatbread; pork braised in champagne vinegar with creamy edamame risotto. After dinner enjoy more bubbles with fresh fruit, soft cheeses like Camembert, baked Brie topped with fresh herbs and drizzled with truffle oil, Brillat-Savarin or bloomy-rind goat cheese.