cava

Cava is Spain’s alternative to champagne and produced in Catalonia, particularly the region of Penedés. It’s very popular in Barcelona and is produced in huge amounts for both domestic consumption and export. Codorniu and Freixenet are the most well-known of all the makes, using the same production methods as Champagne it’s seen as a satisfactory substitute to French champagne and can be purchased with different degrees of sweetness. Where better to drink sparkling Cava than apartments in Barcelona where you can invite a few friends over and make a small selection of tapas to enjoy with it? Barcelona has more than a few champagne bars where it’s sold, they are a favourite of the locals for their simple style and homely atmosphere. Often packed, do as the locals do and order a few dishes of tapas in between glasses of the good stuff. Normally Cava is served up together with the small tapas dishes and the atmosphere in the bars is loud, noisy and busy so don’t expect to have a quiet drink! There are ample tourist operators who organise mini tours to the Penedes region of Catalonia to a Cava vineyard where you can see the famous cellars.