With the cold of winter finally starting to creep in there’s no better time to indulge in the refreshing delight that is Cava to bring some Spanish summer sunshine to the festive season
Renowned for its exceptional quality, Cava perfectly complements the vibrant flavours of Christmas cuisine. Here is a curated a list of deliciously refreshing Cavas for you to try, perfect to drink at parties, ideal to pair with seafood appetizers at the Christmas table, and guaranteed to bring a sparkle to your New Year’s Eve celebrations as you toast the start of 2025.
D.O. Cava wines are proven to be the ideal companion for all gastronomic needs, as substantiated by the groundbreaking study conducted by world-renowned consultant in aromatic science François Chartier. Acclaimed for his expertise in molecular harmonies and food pairing, Chartier has shed new light on the unique attributes of D.O. Cava. His study reveals that the complex aromatic profile and effervescence of Cava create a perfect combination of flavours that pair exceptionally with culinary experiences. His research highlights how the diverse range of D.O. Cava, from the zesty Cava de Guarda to the rich Cava de Guarda Superior, can enhance the taste and enjoyment of a wide range of cuisines, making it a versatile choice for any occasion, summer or winter.
The ability to elevate a wide range of recipes makes D.O. Cava the perfect centrepiece of any gathering. Whether it’s paired with fresh seafood, party salads, or grilled vegetables, the crisp acidity and delicate bubbles of D.O. Cava cleanse the palate, accentuating the flavours of each dish. The Cava de Guarda category, with its vibrant citrus notes and mineral undertones, is perfect for lighter recipes, while the deeper, more complex Guarda Superior Reserva and Gran Reserva options stand up beautifully to richer, more robust winter dishes.
See some Cava suggestions below:
Pere Ventura Tresor Cuvee Gran Reserva, £19.95 at The Great Wine Co
A complex and structured sparkling wine with creamy texture and a lovely aromatic axis running from ripe peaches to toast and spices.
Bodegas Sumarroca Cava Reserva Brut Organic 2021, £14.95 at The Fine Wine Company
Rich, full, complex and toasty. Fruity on the palate.
Vilarnau Brut Reserva, £13.99 at Majestic
Peter Morrell, Editor comments ‘I’ve recently tasted this Cava and it is a great drink for Christmas and New Year. The wine has been aged for 18 months ahead of release. This wine is made with three of the traditional Cava grapes, Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo, and pours a pale yellow with fine, fast-moving strings of small bubbles. On the nose there are crunchy apple, pear and citrus aromas. In the mouth the acidity and bubbles make the wine very light, dry and refreshing. On the palate the apples, pears and citrus continue and are joined by more complex notes of yeast, toasted bread and hints of cream. The finish has lingering yeasty and fruity tones. The Vilarnau is the perfect apéritif and can be matched with light food.‘
Cava Sumarroca Nuria Claverol “Homenatge” Gran Reserva Brut 2015, the 2016 vintage is available from The Wine Society for £28.00
Peter Morrell, Editor, says ‘This wine is at the pinnacle of the Cava family, proudly bearing the classification of Cava de Guarda Superior Gran Reserva. Unlike most Cavas, this wine is a single varietal, made by Bodegas Summarroca with Xarel-lo grapes from the Finca Peretes. The bottle itself oozes style, it’s black, with minimalist lettering and shaped like a Greek Amphora. In the glass the wine pours a golden hue with tiny bubbles creating a fine mousse on the surface. The bouquet is complex with apple, pear and lemon aromas complemented by notes of brioche, marzipan and honey. On the palate the apples and pears are to the fore, with the addition of almonds and fresh bread. The acidity is bright and refreshing, and the long aging has lent a creamy roundness to the drinking experience. The finish is long and persistent with good minerality and notes of nuts. Give your guests this as an aperitif so they can enjoy the sheer beauty of this Cava.’
About D.O. Cava
With more than 70% of international sales, Cava is the Spanish D.O. which exports the most wine: its 349 associated wineries are present in over 100 countries. The D.O. encompasses more than 93,900 acres of vineyards and more than 6,100 winegrowers. Cava is a quality sparkling wine that pairs perfectly with every type of food, and is made using the traditional method, with a strict commitment to origin, land, and sustainability
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