Definition: champagne, prosecco or cava

Here are our recommendations to help you avoid making a faux pas. First, it is important to find out as much as possible about your guests' wine preferences. The first question to ask yourself is undoubtedly this: are they fans of sparkling wines? If so, this indicates an openness to new experiences, which will allow you to be creative. If not, it is better to exercise restraint and remain more conservative in your choice of wine for the aperitif. If your guests like sparkling wines, for once, forget about prosecco, which is very suitable for festive occasions, and be trendy by opting for cava, the Spanish equivalent of champagne, which comes in brut or brut nature. Brut nature is the driest of the range as it contains almost no residual sugar. Cava originates from the Penedès region, near Barcelona. The current trend is to serve it throughout a meal as it is very digestible and has a relatively low alcohol content. Another important advantage of this excellent sparkling wine, produced using the Champagne method from Xarel-lo, Parellada, Macabeo and Chardonnay grapes, is its assertive character, without being excessive, as can sometimes be the case with champagne.

If champagne is a must for reasons of prestige, opt for a vintage cuvée from a well-known brand of good quality or, if you're feeling daring, a 100% Chardonnay blanc de blancs. Your guests will enjoy discovering something new, whether you serve it as an aperitif or with certain dishes on your menu. If your guests are not particularly fond of sparkling wines, the choice is much easier. Stick to the beaten track by serving champagne or prosecco, as cava is less suitable due to its more recent popularity. When purchasing, be sure to choose a well-established brand that is widely advertised, with which your guests will be familiar and which will help you to come across as a good host or hostess.

But what should you do when your guests include both sparkling wine lovers and non-lovers? In this case, opt for a compromise rather than a mix of sparkling wines by choosing a brand that is well known and less common in supermarkets. Ensure that the selected vintage meets the exquisite taste requirements of connoisseurs, while remaining accessible to those who are less knowledgeable.

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