Cava is Spain’s famous traditional method sparkling wine that has a global reputation for quality and value. Getty Images photo

It’s Cava Day on July 12th and time to grab your saber, chill down a bottle and invite wine friends over for a fiesta. Cava, meaning cave in English, is Spain’s famous traditional method sparkling wine that has a global reputation for quality and value. Celebrate Cava Day by posting your favorite bottle and using the hashtags #cavaday and #cavamoment.

The history of Cava falls on a curious and entrepreneurial guy. In 1872 Josep Raventos from Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, in the heart of Penedes, was inspired by the winemaking method he observed in Champagne. Using Spanish indigenous grapes – Xarel-lo, Parallada, and Macabeo, he crafted bubbles using this second fermentation method creating what is now the Spanish signature sparkling wine. Here are a few recommendations.

Varias Cava Genui Brut Nature NV 750 ml

From Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, Penedès, Spain, Varias is a classic blend of indigenous white grapes from the heart of Cava country. It offers fantastic freshness, and fine bubbles, followed by lovely clean, citrus flavours, finishing off with soft vibrancy. It’s perfect for appies or on its own and is saber worthy. Great value at $15.99 before tax. 

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva NV 750 ml

Here is a saber worthy Brut Reserva from the historic Segura Viudas which dates back to the 11th century. The term “Reserva” indicates additional bottle age here with 15 months on its lees. On the nose the hints of lees, baked apples and nuts are classic. It’s dry with fine bubbles offering fairly rich flavours of toasted nuts and english biscuits with a long finish. Great value at $19.99 before tax.

Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut NV 1.5L

This classic black bottle is globally recognized and best enjoyed in a magnum format. What started with a love story and evolved to women running the company, this is one of Spain’s top Cava brands. Cordon Negro is a cava classic with aromas and flavours of toasted nuts, dried apples, and biscuits along with some minerality make this a match for manchego, olives and jamon. At $32.58 before tax, this is simply fabulous value.

Barb Wild

Barb Wild is the Good Wine Gal, and her goal is to help people discover what they like—without snobbery. Follow Good Wine Gal’s life of wine study, wine tastings and wine travel at goodwinegal.ca.