Cheap alternatives to champagne
Champagne has traditionally been known as the drink of choice for special occasions and celebratory moments, but it is also by far the most expensive sparkling wine on the market. Fortunately, there are budget-friendly alternatives that can give you the same quality and luxurious feel without breaking the bank. One of the most notable and popular alternatives is Cava, the Spanish equivalent of champagne.
Champagne and cava are made in the same way with a second fermentation in the bottle, while the starting point in terms of grapes and climate is different. Where Champagne is produced in the cool and sun-poor Northern France and primarily from the Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir grapes, cava comes from Catalonia on the Mediterranean with a long and warm growing season. Cava is typically made from the Xarello, Macabeo and Parellada grapes but also allows a number of other grapes, which creates greater opportunity for variation.
In Cava you will find a better correlation between quality and price, just as cava is a more versatile wine when it comes to pairing with food. In terms of taste, Cava has more fruit in the taste and is typically a little more round than Champagne, which can be very acidic and mineral. In terms of price, a cheap champagne easily costs 275kr a bottle, while a good cava is available for between 90-200kr.
Below we have collected 5 fantastic cavas for New Year's Eve for under 200 kr. as well as 2 boxes of selected cavas for the entire New Year's Eve for small and slightly larger parties.
Miquel Pons Reserva Brut
Here you get a really tasty organic cava made from the classic grapes Macabeu (45%), Xarello (45%) and Parellada (10%) and aged for 24 months. The wine has beautiful golden hues and elegant bubble release. In the nose you will find spicy aromas of ripe tropical fruit, intense and persistent. In the mouth a mild taste of aging, accompanied by a creamy and well-integrated bubble. This cava is easy to drink on its own, but also goes great with slightly salty snacks or oysters.
Price per bottle: DKK 99 (when purchasing 6 bottles)
Forns Raventós Ortus Gran Reserva Brut Nature
Lovely and full-bodied and elegant Blanc de Noir, is made exclusively from Pinot noir grapes and aged for 30 months in the bottle. Blanc de Noirs are fantastic food-friendly sparkling wines that appeal to those looking for a more intense and structured taste experience, where the intensity and complexity of the red grapes are lifted by the delicious mousse. Will go perfectly with e.g. smoked salmon, sushi, shellfish, lobster bisque, grilled fish or aged cheeses.
Price per bottle: DKK 166 when purchasing 6 bottles.
Can Feixes Corpinnat Brut Classic
A premium sparkling wine with a long maturation period (84 months) under the strict rules of the "Corpinnat" label. The wine is made from Macabeu (26%), Parellada (50%) and Pinot Noir (24%) and is distinguished by its exceptional finesse, subtlety and elegance. It was a regular on the wine list of the world's best restaurant "El Bulli" until it closed. A perfect match for e.g. Ceviche, sushi, grilled fish, shellfish, risotto, game, aged cheeses, dark chocolate (max. 70% cocoa)
Price per bottle: DKK 196 when purchasing 6 bottles.
Forns Raventós Brut Nature Rosé
Incredibly beautiful rosé cava with a light rhubarb red color made from 100% pinot noir. Aromas of red fruits with roasted notes from the aging. On the palate it is extremely elegant, balanced and tasty with an acidity that gives a long finish full of nuances. Very fine, soft and persistent bubbles. Will go perfectly with e.g. Ceviche, sushi, salads, mushroom risotto, smoked fish, lamb and, fresh or. lightly aged goat's or. cow's milk cheeses and white chocolate or chocolate mousse
Price per bottle: DKK 143 when purchasing 6 bottles.
Miquel Pons Reserva Semi-Sec
A good example of how good bubbles don't have to cost a fortune. The bubbles are sparkling and creamy and the taste is immediately light and sweet with notes of pear and apple and a touch of toast. This is the cava everyone will like for a party dessert, with a wreath cake or to toast the New Year with. Made from Macabeu (40%), Xarello (55%) and Parellada (5%) and aged 15 months in the bottle.
Price per bottle: DKK 94 when purchasing 6 bottles.
New Year's bubbles for small companies
“New Year's Eve Bubbles for Small Parties” is a great idea for bubbles for New Year's Eve for a small party. Also perfect as a host or hostess gift.
Price: 315 kr.
New Year's bubbles for larger companies
“New Year's bubbles for larger parties” is a good option for bubbles for New Year's Eve for slightly larger parties (approx. 8 people) and consists of 2x3 selected bottles of cava, suitable for both the welcome (with or without oysters), for the main course and for the cake at midnight.
