The palate has apples like rappers have gold teeth. It also has a mineral quality that's really nice and makes the fruit a little more complex. Not that this sub-$10 find is real complex, or needs to be.

It finishes clean, with lemon and tart apple lasting pretty long for something that finishes clean.

Even if you think rap music is an oxymoron, pick up a few bottles of Cristalino to have on hand. Just make sure to stick with the Extra Dry. This is important. The Extra Dry is a great wine. The Brut, on the other hand, kinda smells like feet, or mold, or moldy feet. Either way, I'd avoid it.

Everybody say hooooo,
TSW

P.S. The Cristalino Rose Brut is a great wine, too. Don't let its strangely deep pink color throw you off. It's the same price as the Extra Dry and has a wonderful raspberry nose that quickly turns to watermelon. The palate has cherry, strawberry and minerals. So, there are two great choices from Jaume Serra's Cristalino line. Just make sure you steer clear of the Brut. Seriously.

I know what a part of the hip-hop nation all Wilder on Wine's readers are. Of course, while you're into the music and especially the bling bling, your budget may only allow for bling… or maybe just bl.

You've got street cred to uphold. You've got a rep to protect. WoW's here with at least part of the solution.

If you can't afford to sip Cristal on nightly basis (as the laws of hip-hop dictate) go for Cristalino instead. This Spanish sparkler is good enough for your entourage, and cheap enough to actually pour for them.

Seriously, this Extra Dry Cava (Cava is what Spanish sparkling wine is called) is a complete steal (less than the new Jay-Z CD). The nose is yeasty (think bread dough) with apple and a hint of flowers.