Spanish Cava is terrific, prices enticing, and 12 July is International Cava Day. Made in the same way as French Champagne but with Spanish grapes, it’s hard to find a better pairing with olives, shellfish – even fish and chips. Found mainly in Penedés near Barcelona, aged for nine months minimum, there are lots of good ones under a tenner. For complexity and richness, splash out on a Reserva (15 months’ ageing).
WINE OF THE WEEK: Specially Selected Vintage Cava 2017 (11.5%), £7.49, Aldi. A fresh pineapple rolled in exotic spice, this is aromatic, scrumptious and so good for the cash.
Kylie Minogue Organic Brut Reserva Cava (11.5%), £12, winedelivered.co.uk. Richly flavoursome, pristine and hits all the high notes. Bravo, Kylie.
Prestige Cava Rosado Brut NV (12%), £10, Marks & Spencer. Summer-fruit fun, this pink fizz has delicious depth with enticing texture too. Delicious!
Taste The Difference Reserva Vintage Brut Nature Cava 2017 (12%), £9, Sainsbury’s. An apple-y arrow: expect piercing bubbles and plenty of flavour.
The Best Marqués De Los Rios Cava Brut (11.5%), £9, Morrisons. Beautifully rich and intense. Serve chilled with a bowl of salted almonds and relax.
