Cava and Prosecco, budget beaters for the holidays
While Champagne and other ultra-high-end bubblies get plenty of attention, they are often too expensive for the average household. What are the alternatives?
Adami Bosco di Gica Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut is Bright and lively; lovely and riveting tart fruits with plenty of citrus notes; a vibrant finish.
Llopart Rosé Brut Reserva Corpinnat Barcelona Wine Valley “Métode Tradicional – Certified Organic” – 2019 Very refined with a steady mousse, freeze-dried strawberries, tart cherries, and a shading of minerality; plenty of zestiness in the finish.
I would never turn down a glass of Champagne, but when entertaining family, friends, and neighbors, the thought of putting down lots of $$$s can be too much. While we have been trained to see Champagne—and rightly so—as the best in the sparking world, Cavas and Proseccos are better than ever and ready to serve! This is my list of 10 Cavas and Proseccos that I tasted in 2022 that rose to the top of my list (in alphabetical order):
· Adami Bosco di Gica Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut. With over 90 years of experience, Adami has produced excellent wines. They have combined traditional and modern techniques to keep up with the competition. I tasted this wine in April, and it stood out at an event with plenty of top wines. Bright and lively; lovely and riveting tart fruits with plenty of citrus notes; a vibrant finish. (My Score: 92 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $22.
· Luca Bosio Vineyards Prosecco Rosé. I have been following this producer for a decade, and I have found their wines consistently good. Light pastel pink color; active mousse, dried strawberries; light-bodied, crisp on the palate; pleasing and delicate finish. (My Score: 89 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $16.
· Campo Viejo Brut Rosé Reserva Cava. Campo Viejo is a well-known and distributed winery. I have enjoyed this wine over the years, but at a Spanish wine tasting in May, it seemed even better than many times before. Vibrant pink color, loaded with berries, berries, and more berries, I almost drank my taste, but I restrained myself and expectorated. (My Score: 90 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $15.
· Roger Goulart Cava Brut Reserva “Made with Organic Grapes – Methode Traditionelle” 2018. It is one of the best Cavas I have tasted recently; I tried this at a luncheon of Spanish wines; It worked well with many of the dishes served. Compelling clean and bright minerality, tart apple, and a hint of yeastiness; energetic finish. (My Score: 91 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $24.
· LaLuca Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Brut. As a highly regarded producer from the Veneto, LaLuca harvests its grapes from hillside vineyards 400 meters above sea level and benefits from southeastern exposures to maximize sunlight. Medium yellow color; fresh, bright, and savory; lively on the palate, mineral note, and a good bite in the finish. (My Score: 92 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $30.
· Llopart Rosé Brut Reserva Corpinnat Barcelona Wine Valley “Méthode Tradicional – Certified Organic” – 2019. Llopart has been a part of life for a long time, this vintage is superb! Very refined with a steady mousse, freeze-dried strawberries, tart cherries, and a shading of minerality; plenty of zestiness in the finish. (My Score: 93 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $32.
· Masia de la Luz Cava Brut. This wine is one of the best deals on my list. Active beads and mousse, ripe fruit and floral notes, excellent balance; smooth and slightly layered finish. (My Score: 90 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $13.
· Vins et Cep Cava Brut. A soft brut with a friendly finish. Attractive minerality, savory spices, and ripe apple. Perfect for toasting. (My Score: 90 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $13.
· Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco “Made with Organic Grapes”. Very light in color, lively mousse; ripe apple and fine staying presence on the palate. (My Score: 90 Points) Suggested Retail Price: $13.
In 2022, I tasted sparkling wines from all over the world; the quality continues improving, giving consumers additional options. While Champagne will always occupy a special place for wine aficionados, Cavas, Proseccos, as well as other regions globally give everyone choices not previously considered especially when the budget comes into play. Happy Holidays to all!
Roger Goulart Cava Brut Reserva “Made with Organic Grapes – Methode Traditionelle” 2018 Compelling clean and bright minerality, tart apple, and a hint of yeastiness; energetic finish.
