Wednesday, February 18, 2015

What to drink: Champagne, Cava and Prosecco

Celebrating a special occasion or is any night out in a restaurant a special occasion? While waiting for your food sparkling wine is the favourite tipple. If like me you prefer to drink water to remain clear-headed whilst choosing your food, then a little fizz with the food is fun. It keeps you interested in the drink and raise a glass to your companions and lock eyes and smile.

But let's be more serious and sensible for a moment. Let's think about places and prices. At San Marzanos in Hatch End their shop sign reads Pizzeria and Prosecco bar. Pizza and Prosecco are both from Italy. A good matching of country for food and wine. Cava is a sparkling wine from Spain. Top of the range or price and the French would say, quality, is Champagne.

Cava originally came from caves or cellars around Barcelona in North East Spain. Cava is made by method champenoise, or traditionelle in bottles, whilst Prosecco is made in tanks, so its cheaper. If you can't tell the difference and don't care (nobody does once they are onto the second glass - surveys have found - surveys of consumers drinking various drinks including whisky)  cheaper is better, better value.

Several previous posts have featured San Marzanos in Hatch End, near Hatch End station in north west London, England.

Angela Lansbury BA Hons is a travel writer, photo-journalist, author and speaker. 

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