Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut 187ML

Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut 187ML is a traditional-method Spanish Cava sparkling wine bottled at 14.0% ABV in a single-serve 187ml format. Scored 87 points by Wine Spectator, this iconic black-bottled brut remains one of the most recognized Cavas worldwide, blending three indigenous Catalan grape varieties into a crisp, food-friendly sparkler.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.0%  |  Origin: Catalunya, Spain (Cava DO)  |  Style: Brut  |  Producer: Freixenet

Production & Heritage

Freixenet, headquartered in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia in the Penedès region of Catalunya, has been producing Cava since 1914 and ranks among the largest sparkling wine producers in the world. Cordon Negro is made using the traditional method — the same secondary-in-bottle fermentation used in Champagne — from a blend of 40% Parellada, 35% Macabeo, and 25% Xarel·lo. The wine undergoes up to 18 months of aging in Freixenet's underground caves, and notably, Cordon Negro was the first Cava ever vinified at controlled temperature, a technological milestone for the category. Fermentation is initiated exclusively from Freixenet's proprietary yeast cultures.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Lemon zest leads, followed by white-fleshed peach, honeysuckle, and a subtle wet-stone minerality. Hints of yeast and honeydew emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is crisp and citrus-driven, with tart apple and nectarine flavors arriving on the mid-palate. A creamy mouthfeel develops, balanced by bright mandarin orange, quince, and a thread of almond. The overall impression is well-balanced, with distinctive minerality anchoring the fruit.

Finish: Medium in length, with clean citrus and an unexpected touch of ginger adding complexity at the close. The finish is dry and refreshing, with lingering pear and mineral notes.

How to Drink Cordon Negro

Serve well-chilled at 40–45°F; the 187ml format is designed for immediate, no-fuss enjoyment straight from the bottle with a straw or poured into a flute. Its brut dryness and citrus profile make it a natural fit for cocktails: a Cava Mimosa with fresh-squeezed orange juice plays to the wine's mandarin and nectarine character; a French 75 variation substituting Cava for Champagne takes advantage of the creamy mouthfeel; and a Sangria Blanca benefits from Cordon Negro's bright acidity and stone-fruit aromatics.

Best For

• Picnics, concerts, or outdoor events where a single-serve sparkling format is ideal
• Brunch service alongside eggs Benedict or smoked salmon
• Stocking a hotel minibar or party favor gift basket
• Introducing someone new to traditional-method Cava

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cordon Negro taste like? Cordon Negro delivers crisp citrus, tart apple, and nectarine flavors with a creamy mouthfeel, balanced by mineral undertones and a dry, ginger-tinged finish.

How does Cordon Negro compare to La Marca Prosecco? Cordon Negro is a traditional-method Cava aged up to 18 months on lees, which generally produces finer, more persistent bubbles and greater complexity than tank-method Prosecco like La Marca. Consumer reviews frequently note that Cordon Negro outperforms most Prosecco options in terms of depth and value.

Is Cordon Negro good for cocktails? Its brut dryness, bright acidity, and clean citrus profile make it an excellent cocktail base, particularly in mimosas, spritzers, and sparkling sangria where you want effervescence without residual sweetness.

Where is Cordon Negro made? Cordon Negro is produced by Freixenet in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, a town in the Penedès sub-region of Catalunya, Spain — the historic heartland of Cava production.

What foods pair well with Cordon Negro? Briny oysters and raw shellfish complement the wine's minerality; mild cheeses like Manchego match its creamy texture; fried calamari or tempura contrasts with the acidity; fresh ceviche echoes its citrus notes; and charcuterie boards provide savory counterpoint to the fruit-forward palate.

What sizes does Cordon Negro come in? Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut is widely available in 187ml single-serve bottles as well as standard 750ml bottles and 1.5L magnums.

Is Cordon Negro worth the price? Cordon Negro positions squarely in the entry-level tier for traditional-method sparkling wine, delivering aging and production quality that rivals bottles at higher price points — its 87-point Wine Spectator score reinforces that it consistently overdelivers for its category.

Why Cordon Negro?

What separates Cordon Negro from most sparkling wines in this price range is its production pedigree: traditional-method fermentation, up to 18 months of cave aging, and a proprietary yeast program developed over more than a century of continuous Cava production. The 87-point Wine Spectator rating places it among the best-scoring everyday sparkling wines from any region. The 187ml format, in particular, solves the practical problem of opening a full bottle for a single glass, making it one of the most accessible ways to drink legitimate traditional-method sparkling wine. For a Cava that helped pioneer controlled-temperature vinification and remains a global benchmark, Cordon Negro continues to justify its reputation.