As soon as I saw this bottle languishing in a corner of the liquor store, I had to buy it. Why? Because I had just read this article, about how Cristalino was just sued by Louis Roederer, maker of Cristal – that expensive Champagne favoured by celebrities and rap artists (and celebrity rap artists). Evidently, Cristal thought that Cristalino was trying to ride their oh-so-chic coattails with a similar name, and since Champagne houses just love suing people over trademark disputes, Cristalino got served. After a four-year court battle, $350-per-bottle Cristal emerged victorious over $15 Cristalino. Now Cristalino has to change its name, the colours on the label, and the font.
NV Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava
I could understand Cristal’s decision to sue if the wine had been named “Cristall” or “Cristale” or something like that, but “Cristalino” is different enough that I don’t have an issue with it. Also, Cristalino is super cheap and it’s clearly labelled as a Cava (not a Champagne); I just don’t see anyone mistaking one brand for the other.
See? The labels really aren't that similar.
Whatever happens to the name and label, I really hope they don’t change the way they make Cristalino because it tastes pretty great, especially for the price point. (Good QPR alert!) Cava is always a pretty low key, everyday kind of wine, but it is also made in the “traditional method” – that’s code for “made the same way that real Champagne is made”, i.e. the secondary fermentation, that gives bubbly its bubbles, occurs in the bottle. (If you use the word “Champagne” anywhere on your label, even on the back to describe the way the wine is made, you’ll get sued. I wasn’t kidding when I said those Champagne producers jump on a legal battle.)
The Cristalino is crisp and refreshing, with lovely toasty, pie crust aromas and some austere citrus and apple flavours. It’s definitely dry, though not bracingly so. Even though I think it’s kind of cheesy, I would be ok describing this as a baby Champagne; it would be a good way to introduce yourself to the classic Champagne style without coughing up over fifty bucks for the real thing. I’ll definitely be buying more of this – whatever its name might be.
***Interested in buying Cristalino? Search for it on the Alberta Liquor Guide to find a nearby location that has it in stock. (Though, it’s always a good idea to phone ahead and make sure they still have it.***
Hello,
I can absolutely support the article above.
I read it today, because I went to the store to get cristalino brut and i found different not so pretty bottles.
But… the taste is the same great taste .Way better than Luis Roederer’s!!!!
Lilian Hadel
hello from greece, and happy new year!
i was excited when i read this article because the supermarket that i work at happens to sell it.
and i was wondering the same thing when i saw the name “cristalino” on it.
we have a whole bunch with the same label.
if anyones intrested let me know.
I hope Cristalino comes up with a classier label than black on white. Cristal gave them a lot of publicity,,,ha ha, and Cristal is so pricey it is only drunk by people who don’t know the value of a dollar. For $350 I can take 60 homeless people out to dinner and drink a bottle of Cristalino and feel good. Cristal attracts tacky people including rap singers. Like Oprah going to Hermes. bah!
I hear ya, John; I hear ya. I don’t understand a word you’re saying, but I hear ya.
Absolutely delicious. I was given this as a house warming gift and expected it to be more than medicore. What a surprise! The only people that insist on buyin Cristal are unsecure and need to have the label – like gucci, pucci and louie. Pity them for they know not what they are doing.
What different does a lable make? I will not be a consumer of snobbish lables; that is for the common insecure people who don’t think much of themselves without the advertisemens they carry on their clothing, handbags, shoes and even beach bags. Boring people……………
It’s just incredible, fantastique beverage! I’m french, living in a french island, long slave parents’land and i’m so glad, my family, my friends and I to discover that incredible making brut.
Je suis très heureuse, je vous en remercie!