After the Euros and Wimbledon, 2024 has been a story of Spanish sporting success. And I’m going to add another win for the Spanish as I’ve been discovering the magic of Cava! Spanish sparkling wine has just blown me away recently with its range, quality, and unbeatable prices.
This week I’ve been on a journey into the world of Cava, Spain’s sparkling wine. From the range of styles to the exceptional quality and price points available, I’ve been so impressed. How else can you enjoy sparkling wines of this quality aged up to 15 years for just £28 a bottle? It’s a story that needs to be told!
The highlights of my voyage of discovery into Cava land has been undoubtedly the Codorniu, Art Collecta Blanc de Noirs Reserva 2017 and the Roger Goulart, Gran Reserva Josep Valls, 2019) priced at £22 and £25 respectively. The craftsmanship and age you are getting with both of these wines combined with their affordability is unparalleled.
If you’re not already in the know about Cava, let me put you in the picture. Cava is crafted in the traditional method (similar to Champagne) but with a uniquely Spanish flair. The main grape varieties used in Cava are Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada, offering a distinctive profile that sets it apart from Champagne or English sparkling wines. These grapes lend Cava its signature crispness, vibrant acidity, and elegant complexity.
Behind the label of DO Cava, you often see silver or gold labels. A silver label indicates a Reserva, meaning the wine has been aged for 18 months in bottle, adding depth, aromas, and complexity. If you see a gold label, it signifies a Gran Reserva, which has been aged for 30 months in the bottle, resulting in greater aromatic intensity and sophistication.
The variety of styles that Cava offers make it an incredibly versatile wine to pair with food. I was lucky enough to attend a recent dinner at The Dorchester Grill (chef Tom Booton) where a different Cava was selected to perfectly complement each course. This versatility is due to Cava’s unique terroir (with its proximity to the Mediterranean) and the meticulous control of sugar levels and aging processes, which create a spectrum of different wine types. This makes Cava one of the most adaptable and enjoyable drinks in the world. Special thanks to Heather Docherty for the Cava masterclass and Matteo Furlan Head Somm at the Dorchester for an unforgettable experience.
As a wine communicator passionate about highlighting great sparkling wine world, I want to help more people to discover the excellence of Cava in Spain. The dedication to traditional methods and the pursuit of quality make Cava a sparkling wine worth celebrating. I encourage you to explore Cava and below is a list of stockists.
I have really enjoyed Cava discovery week, thanks everyone.
Other wines I enjoyed:
Dominio de la Vega, Reserva Especial Brut 2019
Guilare, Musivari 2007
Guilare, Red Xarel.la 2014
Stockists include: • D’Vine Cellars, Laithwaites, Philglas & Swiggot Battersea and Theatre of Wine.
#DiscoverCava #CavaWeek #BetterwithCava
Elizabeth x
Kindly gifted from HOPSCOTCH Groupe]
