Anybody else drink Cava?

[David M. Bueker]

A few months ago Laura and I discovered Pere Mata Cavas, and we are smitten. Under $20, and delicious, with Champagne mouthfeel and more complexity than reasonable to expect for twice the price.

It’s been a real eye opener.

[Jenise]

Haven't heard of this one. And no, I don't buy/drink Cavas. Have had generally lackluster experiences, save a sparkling Muga a few years back that I genuinely liked and thought a bargain at around $16-20. Most of the rest are disappointing, less dry than I like and often (usually?) with a bitter note in the finish.

[David M. Bueker]

So the Pere Mata that we have tried so far (4 of them) have all been very dry, and as Laura is extremely averse to bitter notes, and yet has enjoyed all four I think I can safely say they are not bitter!

[Robin Garr]

I generally rely on recommendations to sort the Cava princesses from the frogs, and when I'm going for quality bubbly but not Champagne prices I'll choose the regional Cremants. They're going up in price now too, though.

[David M. Bueker]

My go-to non-Champagne sparkler for less geeky occasions was always Roderer Estate, but I was encouraged by a trusted merchant to try these Cavas, and have come away impressed - at least with this specific producer.

SWMBO has a bin in the cellar for her to use and it is almost always housing a bottle or two of Cava, but for more serious fizz, we drink some of the excellent BC made bubbly or as Robin said, some of the smaller production areas in France give good value.

Actually I find the better cavas (don't know Pere Mata, but really like Agusti Torello Mata as well as Mestres and CastellRoig ) to be the best substitute for Champagne. If you stay away from the big industrial producers and look for cava brought in by quality importers, my hit rate is better than Cremant de Bourgogne or Cremant d'Alsace, and way better than Prosecco.

[David M. Bueker]

...way better than Prosecco.

Laura decided last year that we should try out a bunch of different bottlings of Prosecco. Oh man was that a slog!

Another vote for Agusti Torello Mata!

[David M. Bueker]

I’ll look for it!

Another vote for Agusti Torello Mata!

Ok..the Brut Reserva is here in town. $29 Cda

Another vote for Agusti Torello Mata!

Here one to look out for John. I have posted before I seem to remember?

Pere Ventura Cava Tresor Gran Reserva Brut 2019
11.5% alcohol. 40% Macabeo, 40% Xarel.lo, 20% Parellada. Very rich and toasty with bold pear and peach fruit. There’s a sweetness and richness to this wine, which is focused on abundant pear and peach fruit with a gentle finish. Has some toast in the mix, too. I see I have another cava in the cellar...the 2019 Dominio dela Vega Reserva Expression.

The vintage wines from Agusti Torello Mata are the best options, and very well priced. At least, in Spain they are about 17 euros.

[David M. Bueker]

The vintage wines from Agusti Torello Mata are the best options, and very well priced. At least, in Spain they are about 17 euros.

The vintage wines from Pere Mata are about $19 US!