Viva La Vida’s Rose Cava A sparkling success

I first met Tony Bellatto in the fall of 2007. I had just started in my position of fine wine specialist for Ohio Wine and Beverage and Bellatto was managing the Havana House in Niles. He and I didn’t know it at the time, but we were both at the beginning of an incredible journey through the world of wine.

In the summer of 2008, I traveled with Bellatto and his parents – who own three Havana House stores – on a trip to Napa Valley. That trip changed many things for both of us, as we had the opportunity to visit some of Napa’s most renowned wineries, taste and learn. We both returned knowing that wine was going to be a huge part of our lives going forward.

Bellatto has accomplished a lot in the world of wine for someone his age. He has earned the Level Three Certification from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust. He has traveled and tasted extensively, doing all of this while launching his own cigar brand and transforming the Havana House from a traditional cigar shop to a great place to enjoy wine, craft beer, a good smoke and interesting conversation.

All of this has led to what is arguably Bellatto’s most impressive project to date. Viva La Vida Rose Cava was introduced throughout the state of Ohio last week and at a national release party April 22 at the Havana House Niles.

Viva La Vida is a partnership between Bellatto and Treasure Hunter wines. Treasure Hunter is an internationally recognized brand, making wines in partnerships with wineries from all around the world.

Cava is the Spanish version of sparkling wine. Most cava is produced as a “brut,” using Macabeu, Paralleda and Xarello grape varietals. Viva La Vida really stands out among the cava crowd, as it is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir grapes grown near Barcelona. Viva La Vida is a vibrant pink color that immediately catches the eye.

“I wanted to do a rose from the start. Ultimately, the motivation was to complement the cigar business. We wanted it to be hip, unique and inexpensive, so that our younger demographic can afford to drink it whenever they want.”

The process of creating the perfect Cava Rose was extensive and impressive. Bellatto collaborated with the vineyard managers in Spain, as well as Hunter Vogel and Andrew Lerner of Treasure Hunter, even though they were all in different parts of the world through most of the process. The project took three years from the initial stage to product launch.

“We tasted over 1,000 mini bottles that were shipped over from Spain in cases of 24. We experimented with residual sugar levels from 5 to 11 grams per liter and a variety of maceration levels. I was really looking for something highly drinkable, with great fruit and enough acidity to balance the sugar.”

All of that technical wine talk may go over some heads, but here’s the great news. Viva La Vida Rose Cava is delicious and delightful. There are vibrant fruit flavors of strawberry, baked raspberries and cranberry. The acidity is defined and refreshing, hitting the mid palate subtly and carrying through to the finish. This results in a savory feeling in the mouth that invites the next sip.

“We envisioned this being enjoyed poolside in the summer time, on patios and anywhere outdoor parties are held. Viva La Vida means ‘live your life,’ and we wanted that philosophy to be reflected in the wine. We also wanted to prove that you don’t need a million-dollar budget to drink high quality bubbles,” said Bellatto.

Mission accomplished. Viva La Vida Rose Cava hit local stores and restaurants at a retail price of $15.99, representing outstanding value. It is being distributed statewide by Purple Feet Distributing and is being sold in seven states in addition to Ohio, with an initial import of 560 cases, 150 of which are allocated to the Buckeye State.

Bellatto and his partners feel they have captured something special, especially for sparkling wine at this price. They have submitted Viva La Vida for review to 10 wine publications, including The Wine Spectator, The Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast. A favorable rating could greatly increase sales nationally.

Bellatto will serve as a special guest speaker at a Spanish wine dinner at Trumbull Country Club on May 20. The event is open to the public and will feature Viva La Vida along with four other Spanish wines and dinner courses. Bellatto will describe in detail the process of building the cava and offer some suggestions on how to enjoy it to the fullest.

Viva La Vida’s label was written by Bellatto, and its design has a cool message.

“The front label is a nautical flag that has symbols used to invite any fellow boaters in the area to come aboard and join the party,” he said. “We thought it was the perfect message for Viva La Vida.”

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Contact Brian at brian.fry@myvalleyvino.com or by visiting www.myvalleyvino.com.

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