Cava is a sparkling wine made in the same traditional method as Champagne, but in Spain and with local grapes like Parallada, Macabeo and Xarel-lo. Because of this, it’s seen as one of the best Champagne alternatives, with a slightly more umami and brioche tinge that makes it a food-friendly dream.
The best thing about it though is the value! At a fraction of the price of French fizz, Cava provides fantastic quality, versatility, and character and if you find a bottle that you click with, it becomes many drinkers’ go-to weekly sipper!
So, if you want to give Cava a go, then you can’t go far wrong with the nine beauties below!
Bodegas Sumarroca Brut Reserva 2019/20
Organic, vegan, and biodynamically grown, this is a Cava with tonnes of thought and expert craftsmanship in it, and the awards to justify it. The pear and pastry aromas are to die for, flavouring a fizz that feels refined and fresh with the perfect touch of acidity. Most Cavas have under a year on the lees, but this has 24 months!
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £11.85 (usually more!)
Freixenet Cuvée Especial Ice Rosé N.V.
This is the epitome of summer refreshment – a fizzing Cava Rosé from Freixenet. Garnacha brings ripe red fruits and spice, Pinot Noir provides freshness and acidity, whilst Chardonnay injects some intensity and balance. Plum, blackberries, strawberries... all delicately poised with florality and elegance. Pour over ice, sit back, and relax.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £11.95
Faustino Cava Brut Reserva
Made with Macabeo and Chardonnay grapes, this is a super sparkly Cava from Faustino. You get so much fruit and florality for your money with apple, pear, citrus, and brioche all there, as well as a moreish creamy texture that’s very pleasant. If you don’t like too much sweetness in your sparkling wine, try this!
Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £13.50
Bohigas Brut Reserva
A delectably soft Cava with great structure from near Barcelona, the 24 months on lees in the barrel has developed the layers of flavouring perfectly. White fruit aromas flood the nose, alongside lemon tart, and subtle vanilla. The mouth is bone-dry dry with more citrus, orchard fruits and a touch of minerality. A lot of drinkers’ go-to’s for a reason!
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £14.05
Anna de Codorniu Ice Edition Rosé
A subtly sweeter Cava here from Anna de Codorniu, with a Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay blend. Tasty lemon notes feature from nose to finish and whilst there is a fruity sweetness, you also get good acidity and tang from that grapefruit and lime, and a great mousse. Serve with a load of ice and it’s a delicious sipper indeed.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £14.45
Cava Conde de Haro Brut 2019
It’s not just reds coming out of Rioja, but winning Cava too. This expression ages for two years, developing Champagne levels of complexity whilst retaining a youthful freshness. It’s a richer style of Cava with a full body, carrying delicious notes of biscuit, apple, and dried fruits. If you’ve not been won around by Cava yet, this is a fantastic representation of what it can be.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £14.95
Codorníu Ars Collecta Gran Reserva Grand Rosé 2019
Mouthwatering aromatic and food-friendly Cava here from Cordoníu. The berried bouquet feels bright and fresh, the acidity is measured to perfection, and the creamy bubbles round off a supremely well-balanced profile. Such an inviting hue too – the complete package. Nom!
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £19.99
Juvé & Camps Reserva de la Familia 2018
Let us introduce you to this benchmark Spanish Cava. The fresh and creamy feel is hinted at by the buttery nose, which blossoms into a characterful palate of lemon, toffee apple and crunchy apple. It’s long-lasting, super fizzy, bone dry and utterly refreshing – everything you want from Cava.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £20.50
Segura Viudas Heredad Reserva Cava Brut
Check out this bottle from the Segura Viduas winery, fit for a medieval King! Seriously stylish, the ageing comes through on the gently smoky nose and behind all that plentiful mousse is a palate plush with rich dried fruits, flower petals, subtle nutty bitterness and fresh apple and tangerine. There is so much depth here waiting to be explored. It would also be incredible paired with white fish by the way!
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £24.95
Want to sip on something closer to home? Try these incredible English Sparkling Wines that are leading the way!