Costing under $9, (that’s correct) with 11.5% alcohol, the Vina Palaciega Brut Cava scored 15 points on the Dionysian scale of a possible 20.

It’s clean, balanced with good acidity, on the sweeter side of Brut and made from 100% Macabeo, one of the three grapes you’d usually find in most Cava. Mineral, white peach and orange peal on the nose.

Served a reception wine, it helped get you ready for unique foods and bigger special wines.

Dionysian Jan Mitrocsak introduced me to it. It’s ideal for large parties; a sparkling wine for quaffing, not meditating upon. It was fermented in the traditional method, right in the bottle so you’re not showing much common sense buying sparkling wins like many Champagnes that cost well over $100 even $200. Don’t become a label drinker! In Vino Veritas.