Cava
Now here’s an interesting thing. Most of us know cava for the cheap, simple, somewhat charmless fizz that has lost its raison d’être since prosecco swaggered into town. But what if its role is as a quality wine that comes in at just under champagne/English fizz prices and really holds its own.
The Llopart was a fabulous wine that walked off not just with a Gold, but also a Critic’s Choice. Yes. We’ll say it again. An £18 cava got a Critic’s Choice. Try it and you’ll see why.
From The Tasting Teams
‘Champagne is for the high end, but cava and prosecco are more easy drinking, and more sellable.’ Luma Monteiro, Wineria
‘There were different styles, different use of lees… Some nice complexity too. It was good to see diversity in the range.’ Valentin Radosav, Gymkhana
‘At the lower end I found them to be quite acceptable, but the most expensive ones had the most complexity. They’re trying really hard to re-establish themselves in a market flooded by sparkling wines from other countries.’ Martin Lam, team leader
‘Prosecco had its boom, but people are now looking for something else.’ Luma Monteiro, Wineria