Recommended
Below are notes from a recent tasting of cavas. They are listed in ascending order, according to price.
Ramon Raventos Brut Cava. Made of 70 percent xarel-lo, this wine was crisp, fresh and creamy, with notes of lime, apple, stone fruit and a long, nutty finish. $14
Anna de Codorniu Blanc de Blancs Brut Reserva Cava. This one is made of 70 percent chardonnay and offered notes of lemony citrus, lime, melon, anise and a pleasant softness. $15
Barcino Belle Epoch Brut Cava. With stone fruits, a touch of sweetness, bready notes, citrus and a lingering peach finish, this wine is made of macabeo, xarel-lo and parellada. $15
2013 El Xamfra Clos La Soleya Brut Cava. Starting with dried herbs, earthiness and vegetal notes, this wine moved into stone fruits and a bready finish with 11.5 percent alcohol. $15
Mercat Brut Cava. Stone and tropical fruits mingled in a creaminess that was also very clean and cleansing, and led to a fresh and lingering nutty finish. $15
Vilarnau Brut Reserva Cava. Made of 50 percent macabeo, 35 percent parellada and 15 percent xarel-lo, this crisp and clean wine offered lemon, green apple, lime and a creamy mousse. $15
2013 Juve & Camps Essential Xarel-lo Reserva Brut Cava. Subtle notes of cherry and strawberry intermingled with dried herbs, anise and a balancing bitterness and nuttiness in this 100 percent xarel-lo wine. $16
Totus Tuus Reserva Brut Cava. Citrus, stone fruits, herbs and a hint of butterscotch and nuts characterized this mouth-filling wine made mostly of chardonnay with xarel-lo, macabeo, parellada and pinot noir. $17
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Heredad Cava. Toasty, smoky and full of apple, floral and honey notes with lemon and nuts on the finish, this wine was very fresh and clean. $20
2013 Naveran Dama Brut Cava. Tropical fruits and crisp apple took center stage in this layered and lip-smacking wine made of 85 percent chardonnay and 15 percent parellada. $26