By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief

Cava1 Not that I'm surprised, but this month's edition of Wine Blogging Wednesday is one of the best themes we've had in some time. Why am I not surprised? Well, the host, Jeff Stai of Twisted Oak Winery and El Bloggo Torcido is a smart, creative and downright fun guy. I'd actually be surprised if he didn't have a great theme for WBW.

The theme: Pick any winter holiday or observance that isn't Hanukkah, Christmas Day,
Kwanzaa, or New Years Day or Eve, and choose a wine to celebrate it.

As a long-time Seinfeld fan, my choice of holiday was an easy one — Festivus (for the rest of us).

The choice of wine was a bit more difficult, but not overly so. I've been holding onto this bottle of Mestres 2004 Cava Visol Reserva Particular for several months now — ever since Ryan and Gabriella spent the night at our house during their whirlwind visit of Long Island over the summer. We swapped some wine (and some Spanish goodies) and even if the bottle of local merlot I gave them was corked (sorry guys, the replacement and then some WILL get to you, I swear), this beautiful, complex Cava was not.

It was a revelation, in fact.

AluminumpoleI tend to think of Cava (and Prosecco) as a cheap alternative sparkler that I can pour for friends who come over for brunch, some of whom would prefer orange juice blended in. This wine is a completely different animal. An animal with rich, complex flavors.

Citrus leads the way here, but nutty almond and brown butter looms in the background, with white pepper, caramel, kettle corn there too. With delicate fine bubbles that last forever and fresh, palate-cleansing acidity framing those nuanced flavors, this was a great way to celebrate Festivus, which this year meant opening presents (from us) with Jackson.

You might be asking yourself: How does this wine related to Festivus?

 Well I'm gonna get to that now. First, take a look at that capsule. Doesn't it remind you of the aluminum Festivus pole that one pulls out of the crawlspace?

Then there is the Festivus tradition of airing ones grievances. This wine brings two to mind, even if I have a lot of problems with you people:

  1. We just don't drink sparkling wine enough. I mean that Nena and I don't and that you probably done either. Drink more in 2010. Seriously.
  2. This wine also reminds me just how much I wish the Opazes lived in the U.S. rather than Spain. Maybe eventually they'll move back — but something tells me I shouldn't hold my breath. Instead, I should get my butt over to Iberia.

Thanks for the great them, Jeff and thanks to Ryan and Gab for this great bubbly. It's long gone and I'm wishing I had a few more bottles in my cellar.