This episode is all about Cava and the other sparkling wines that come from the Penedès region in Spain. I am joined by the Sud de France Sommelier of the Year 2019, so you can find out what it is like to take part in a Sommelier competition. He is from Catalonia so has a vast knowledge of the Cava wines, which he shares with us.
 
If you want to skip ahead:
 
1m55 - My winery of the week: Llopart - a Corpinnat winery. I am tasting the Original 1887 Brut nature
 
8m08 - The history of Cava, with a timeline of the Raventos family and their influence in this region
 
11m28 - Chat with Andres Rangel - How he won the sommelier competition, throwing wine over customers, and a breakdown of what Cava is, the other classifications and the controversy in this region. The 3 local rare varieties he mentions are Bastard Negre, Sumoll & Xarel-lo Vermell. His wine to try is Vins el Cep Cava Claror Gran Reserva Brut Nature 2012. This is from the Can Prats vineyards and is a  Cava de Paraje Calificado.
 
40m17 - A summary of the 4 classifications/brands/labelling terms: Cava de Paraje Calificaso, Corpinnat, Classic Penedès  & Conca del Riu Anoia
 
41m40 - Sweetness levels in Cava and other sparkling wines
 
42m41 - Food pairing suggestions for Cava
 
I love your comments and reviews so please them or if you have any specific question you can contact me at janina@eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk or go across to my Instagram and DM me @eatsleep_winerepeat
 
You can come and visit me at my website www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
and I have a load of educational wine videos on Youtube Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
 
How you drink something tasty this week. Let me know about it. Cheers to you!