Tastings: 'tis the season

For those who love sparkling wines, this is a great time of year. For those who don’t or are just indifferent, the holidays will prove to be minefield of lesser bubblies just waiting to hurt your body and soul.

Of course, the most well-known of sparkling wines is champagne and, while the quality of it can run all over the place (and it only gets interesting after the €30 level), it’s generally a safe bet. But why buy champagne when we have cava? Whether you’re a devotee or not, there is enough variety of good, deep cavas out there to keep you going through the holiday season.

Those looking to delve in more can visit my wine website wineonsix.com for plenty more reviews.

Castell de Perelada Cuvée Rosé 2009

An unusual Rosé of 100 percent Trepat grapes. It has dried figs and apricot to the nose as well as a touch of earthiness. Larger in the mouth than typical cava, it has wonderful acidity and additional dried fruit notes with a finish that goes on forever. €10

Juvé y Camps Reserva de la Familia 2010

A complex nose with touches of the barrel aging but very even overall. A little bread and red fruits emerge as it decants. Even in the mouth, it holds a good, fresh acidity that carries through the finish. €14.50

Caves Mestres Visol 2007

A traditional blend of Macabeu, Xarel·lo and Parellada, it shows lemon peel and a light, spicy perfume in the nose. The body is light, of medium acidity, and fresh in the mouth with a short finish at the end of an elegant and very refined bottle. €20

Miquel Hudin is originally from California but is now based in Barcelona. He founded the Vinologue enotourism series of wine books (www.vinologue.com).