Cava is a sparkling wine hailing from the Penedès region, which is just to the east of Barcelona. It utilizes the same in bottle fermentation technique as champagne, the only difference being the type of grapes (macabeo, xarel-lo, and parellada).
It is world famous for its quality to price ratio, some of the best Cava bottles can be even be purchased for under $15. Majority of these bottles also feature very unique designs making them a perfect souvenir.
Must Try:
Freixenet Sparkling Cordon Negro Brut Cava
Anna de Codorniu Cava Brut
Wine:
Spain is among the top wine producers in the world, placing third only behind France and Italy. Their two most popular wine regions are Riojas and Priorat, both specializing in their reds.
The flavor compositions of red wines from the Riojas region are primarily dark stone fruits, and hints of vanilla and herbs. While the Priorat reds tend to be slightly more earthy, and due to the rarity of grapes in the region also more expensive.
Only a one hour drive away from Barcelona, the Penedès wine region is also definitely worth a visit for any wine enthusiast. This Catalan region is famous for its red, white and dessert wines as well as cava.
Must Try:
Ontañón Gran Reserva (Rojas)
L’Ermita Velles Vinyes Priorat (Priorat)
Another extremely popular beverage originating from Spain is Sangria, which is a refreshing blend of fruits such as berries, lemons and oranges with a base of either white or red wine.
In Barcelona, the locals often prefer to use cava as their sangria base. One of the best places to try this cava based sangria is in a restaurant called Arano located in the famous gothic neighborhood.
Vermouth is a fortified wine that is quite popular throughout Barcelona. This beverage choice is so popular that if someone asks “to go for a vermouth” it essentially means to go out for night of drinking.
Vermouth is typically consumed in the mid-day as your first cocktail of the day, and is almost always paired with a delicious serving of tapas.
Must Try:
Miro Rojo Vermut de Reus
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