Cava and Sparkling Wine in Barcelona

Years ago when I was growing up Mom took great enjoyment in sewing. She was a perfectionist and anything she sewed was well made. We had fun shopping for material and could spend hours trying to make the “right” decision as to which pattern and which fabric we should select.

A few years before I went off to college, my mom was told about an unusual fabric shop. Although I do not remember the name of the shop, we always called it “a hole in the wall.” It was located just off a main shopping area, where few people would be found walking by. However, it was unique in what it offered and it’s atmosphere. Piles of fabric were piled on top of each other.  I doubt today that the shop still exists but its enticement was the great prices it offered.

All of these memories were brought back today when we stopped at what we were told at our hotel is a “local” bar.”

A unique local bar in Barcelona

We discovered this tiny bar with sandwiches in “a hole in the wall” not far from major tourist sites in the older parts of Barcelona. Adding to its hole in the wall appearance was the fact that we did not see the name of the bar posted outside.  This tiny bar offers no seating. People stood around the bar, ordered sandwiches and drinks, and stayed and talked with each other as if they had all day. Large signs were posted about what they had to offer. Hams hung from the ceiling. Bicycle seats, too. In the very back of the bar a small counter was available where people could purchase an assortment of items including bottles of wine. Judging by the number of people stopping by the bar, this is truly enjoyed by the area residents.

Can Paixano Rosat Semi-Sec is a sparkling wine produced with Tempranillo, Cariñena and Trepat grape varieties. It is a light, sweet cava with a refreshing crispness. The wine has 10% alcohol. The colorful light red color is delightful and the cava offers numerous long streams of tiny bubbles. At this particular bar, a full bottle costs. 3.5 Euros.

Can Brut Nature was a gold color with hints of peach. This cava was produced with Macabeo, Xarel.lo and Parellada. It seemed to be one-dimensional in comparison to another Cava we had later in the day.

Both wines the sparkling wine and the Cava were served in the traditional coupe stemware.

According to the Can Paixano winery’s website, “Cava is a quality sparkling wine. What makes it special is its second fermentation which takes place in the bottle, following the traditional method. The majority of the grapes come from vineyards in the DO (Designation of Origin) Penedes (Catalonia).”

The difference between sparkling wine and cava is that it does not go through a second fermentation; rather during production carbon dioxide is added.

Inside a tiny Barcelona bar.

We enjoyed the ambiance of the bar where people seemed to know each other, food and wines were available and everyone was friendly.

When traveling and touring add to your experiences by visiting restaurants that the local people enjoy.

Cheers! Kathy