Lorraine Williamson
A good bottle of Cava has long been part of Spanish celebrations, yet rising food and drink prices have made many shoppers think twice. This year’s annual tasting by OCU suggests those worries may be unnecessary. Once again, some of the best-performing Cavas on the market sit comfortably below the five-euro mark.
OCU’s latest test confirms a familiar pattern. In Spain, sparkling wine does not have to be expensive to be well made, balanced and genuinely enjoyable. For Christmas tables, family lunches or an impromptu toast, supermarket shelves are still delivering excellent value.
Why Cava continues to punch above its weight
Cava remains Spain’s most popular sparkling wine for good reason. Produced using the traditional method, with a second fermentation in the bottle, it shares the same technical foundations as champagne. The difference lies in climate, grape varieties and, crucially, price.
Made primarily from macabeo, xarel·lo and parellada grapes, Cava is known for its freshness, gentle acidity and fine mousse. It works just as well as an aperitif as it does with food, which helps explain why it is so deeply woven into festive life across Spain.
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How the consumer tests are carried out
OCU’s tasting panels combine laboratory analysis with blind tastings. Alcohol levels, acidity and residual sugar are measured first. A trained panel then assesses aroma, flavour, balance and overall mouthfeel, without knowing brand or price.
What matters most in the final ranking is value for money. That focus repeatedly pushes lower-priced bottles towards the top of the table, often outperforming cavas costing twice as much.
The standout cavas under five euros
After analysing 25 protected-origin cavas, OCU’s results were clear. Several supermarket labels stood out for their consistency and balance, proving that everyday bottles can still deliver a celebratory feel.
The highest-rated brut in the test was Naltros, sold by Aldi, which OCU named its Outstanding Buy. Close behind were strong performances from Vall de Juy, available at Alcampo, and Val D’Lluna, both praised for freshness and structure at under five euros.
For those who prefer a slightly sweeter style, Castell de Llac, sold by Carrefour, led the semiseco category. Meanwhile, Cabré & Sabaté, a familiar label from Mercadona, once again proved that consistency matters as much as branding.
Choosing the right style for the table
Understanding cava styles makes it easier to select a well-made one. Brut nature and extra brut suit those who prefer crisp, dry wines. Brut offers a little more softness and remains the safest all-rounder for mixed company. Semiseco, noticeably sweeter, works best with desserts or late-night toasts.
Ageing also plays a role. Reserva cavas tend to be rounder and more aromatic, though OCU’s results show that even young, inexpensive bottles can deliver impressive balance.
Serving cava properly makes a difference
Even the best-value cava benefits from careful serving. Chill the bottle to around eight degrees, use a slender glass to preserve the bubbles, and open it gently. A quiet release of pressure keeps the wine lively and elegant.
Why OCU’s findings carry weight
OCU operates independently, without commercial sponsorship or advertising influence. Its testing criteria are transparent and repeatable, which is why its wine rankings are widely trusted by Spanish consumers year after year.
In a market full of festive marketing and premium claims, that independence matters.
Affordable sparkle is still alive in Spain
The message from this year’s tasting is reassuring. Despite inflation and rising costs, excellent cava remains accessible. For under five euros, Spanish supermarkets are still offering bottles that deliver freshness, balance and real celebration value.
Good cava, it seems, is not about the label price. It is about knowing where to look.
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