The weekend is here, and what’s a better way to celebrate then popping a bottle of Cava? While Cava doesn’t refer to a particular region in Spain, much of it comes from Catalonia, and the country produces nearly 250 million bottles a year. The bubbly wines are made in the traditional method and are often light and zesty with crisp fruit flavors like green-apple or citrus fruits. So kick back, relax and enjoy some of our favorite bottles of Cava that are perfect for any budget.
Covides NV Comte de Foix Reserva Especial (Cava); $18, 90 points. A rich nose is composed of bready apple and yeasty notes. A tight juicy palate is based on lemony acidity, while this brut tastes of barely ripe stone fruits and citrus. On the finish, this is so smooth that it seems like a still table wine as much as Cava. Lorbert Imports LLC. —Michael Schachner
Muga 2015 Conde de Haro Brut (Cava); $27, 90 points. Lime, melon and brioche aromas send this Cava from Rioja in the right direction. A zesty palate braced by citric acidity is juicy and displays ample energy. Snappy lemon, citrus and green-apple flavors finish crisp, with tension and focus. Jorge Ordóñez Selections. —M.S.
Marqués de la Concordia 2012 MM Reserva de la Familia Brut Nature (Cava); $15, 89 points. Apple and brioche aromas are composed on the nose. A plump, slightly oxidized palate offers mild fruit tones, but shows a welcome shot of citrus on the finish. The Haciendas-Company. —M.S.
Marqués de Gelida 2014 Brut Reserva Pinot Noir Rosé (Cava); $21, 89 points. This brut rosé is light in color and equally light on the nose, with mild aromas of creamy orange, powdered sugar and red currant. A flyweight palate with citric acidity deals mild tangerine and nectarine flavors prior to a slight finish with crisp acidity. Fine Estates From Spain. —M.S.
Naveran 2015 Dama de Barcelona Brut (Cava); $27, 89 points. Stone-fruit aromas are yeasty and show a hint of vanilla. In the mouth, this vintage Cava is plump and round. Flavors of baked apple and bready yeast end with a touch of salt atop apple and pastry flavors. This is 85% Chardonnay and 15% Parellada. Olé Imports. —M.S.
Parxet 2015 Cuvée 21 Brut Made With Organic Grapes (Cava); $15, 88 points. Aromas of wood smoke, baked apple and browned butter are slightly complex and stately. This organic brut feels good but less complex than the nose indicates. Pear, apple and green-melon flavors are a touch oxidized prior to a sound finish. Biagio Cru & Estate Wines, LLC. —M.S.
Alta Alella 2014 Mirgin Laieta Rosé Gran Reserva Brut Nature (Cava); $23, 88 points. Grassy white-fruit aromas include a strong note of petrol. A plump, round but foamy palate holds flavors of briny stone fruits that are one part sweet and one part sour. Briny flavors persist on a steady finish. Avant Garde Wine & Spirits. —M.S.
Perelada NV Torre Galatea Brut Rosé Sparkling (Cava); $20, 88 points. Orange and other citrus aromas are a touch creamy and yeasty. A medium-bodied palate is average in feel, while touches of spice and smoke accent mild orange flavors. The finish is simple. Vinovia Wine Group. —M.S.
Last Updated: September 20, 2024
