What's the difference between cava, sparkling wine and cider?
Although they may seem similar at first glance due to their bubbles and freshness, cava, sparkling wine, and cider are very different in terms of origin, production, and flavor.
Cava is a sparkling wine mainly produced in Catalonia, made using the traditional method (second fermentation in the bottle) from grapes such as Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada.
Sparkling wine, on the other hand, can come from various regions and may be made using different methods (such as the Charmat or ancestral method). It typically has a fruitier and more casual profile.
Cider is made from fermented apples and is typical of northern Spain, especially Asturias and the Basque Country.
Its flavor can range from sweet and smooth to dry and tart, and while it doesn’t have the same level of sophistication as cava, it boasts a rich tradition.
Each of these drinks has its own character and is perfect for different occasions.
Which cava or sparkling wine pairs best with nougat and Christmas sweets?
To accompany turrón and other Christmas desserts, the ideal choice is a sweet or semi-sweet cava or sparkling wine, as its fruitier and softer profile pairs better with the intense flavors of almond, marzipan, or chocolate.
A semi-sweet or sweet cava, with notes of ripe fruit and good acidity, helps to balance the richness of traditional sweets.
You can also opt for a rosé sparkling wine, which offers freshness with a hint of red berries—a great match for candied fruit or praline-based desserts
