The Voice of Local Utah

Utah Bites

Sip O’ the Week – Conquilla Brut Cava

So, I often turn to Spanish cava to get my sparkling wine fix. Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine from Catalonia, which can be white or rosé. Only sparkling wines made in the French-style Champenoise traditional method are allowed to be labeled “cava.”

by

Ted Scheffler

|

 

Conquilla Brut Cava
Photo by Ted Scheffler

If you’re a frequent reader of this column, you know that I love bubbly. But as much as I adore Champagne, the French sparkling wine isn’t typically within my budget.

So, I often turn to Spanish cava to get my sparkling wine fix. Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine from Catalonia, which can be white or rosé. Only sparkling wines made in the French-style Champenoise traditional method are allowed to be labeled “cava.” The bottom line is that cava is sparkling wine made in the French style but that sells for a lot less than Champagne. A great example of excellent cava is Conquilla Brut ($12.99).

Conquilla is a blend of 50% Xarel-lo, 25% Parellada, and 25% Macabeu – all estate fruit. After a long, slow secondary fermentation at low temperatures, the wine is aged sur lie in the bottle prior to disgorgement.

The result is a velvety, delicate wine on the palate with white fruit and orange flavors along with nutty hints of almond. I challenge you to find a better bottle of bubbles for under 13 bucks.

FOR RESTAURANT REVIEWS GO HERE

THIS CONTENT IS FROM UTAH BITES NEWSLETTER.

GET OUR WEEKLY RESTAURANT REVIEWS, TED’S FAVORITE RECIPE AND DRINK OF THE WEEK DIRECTLY TO YOUR INBOX . TO SIGN UP FOR FREE GO HERE.

Originally trained as an anthropologist, Ted Scheffler is a seasoned food, wine & travel writer based in Utah. He loves cooking, skiing, and spends an inordinate amount of time tending to his ever-growing herd of guitars and amplifiers.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: click on their logos to visit their website

[envira-gallery id=”30879″]

,
, , , ,

Ted Scheffler

Originally trained as an anthropologist, Ted Scheffler is a seasoned food, wine, and travel writer based in Utah. He loves cooking, skiing, music, and reading, and spends an inordinate amount of time tending to his ever-growing herd of guitars and amplifiers. Ted is also the author of the Utah Bites newsletter, which is published in partnership with Utah Stories. Before moving to Utah, Ted lived in New York City, and numerous states in the US, as well as in various countries overseas, Spain, Japan, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. He earned a Master’s Degree in Anthropology from the Graduate Faculty of The New School for Social Research.

Join our newsletter.
Stay informed.

Join Utah Stories Newsletter

  • Food & Drink

    Kenny J’s BBQ: South Jordan’s Best Texas-Style Barbecue

    Kenny J’s BBQ in South Jordan delivers true Texas-style barbecue with hand-trimmed meats, prime brisket, standout sides, and a community-driven story that sets it apart.


  • Food & Drink

    Taste of Luxury, Mumbai House Donations, and Holiday Treats

    This week’s culinary highlights span Utah: Deer Valley Resort welcomes Chef Enrico Bartolini for its returning Taste of Luxury Series, offering exclusive dinners and a master class. In response to the federal shutdown, Mumbai House locations across the Wasatch Front are providing free meals to families in need. And Willard Bay Gardens is hosting a free holiday dessert tasting with recipes available for guests who want to bring seasonal favorites home.


  • Food & Drink

    Your Guide to Thanksgiving Dinner in Utah: Restaurants & Takeout 2025

    Thanksgiving in Utah brings an abundance of ways to celebrate, whether you prefer a classic turkey dinner in a warm dining room or a fully prepared feast to enjoy at home. Across the Wasatch Front and Wasatch Back, restaurants are offering buffets, prix-fixe menus, and takeout packages that highlight seasonal flavors and local ingredients. This guide offers a look at the holiday meals available throughout the state for 2025.


  • Announcements

    Best Drinks to Serve with Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner

    Holiday dinners bring rich flavors, family traditions, and more dishes than any other time of year. Choosing the right beverages doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether your table leans classic with turkey and mashed potatoes or modern with fresh vegetable sides and lighter desserts, there are versatile wines, festive ciders, and thoughtful non-alcoholic options that elevate the entire meal without adding stress. This guide looks at crowd-pleasing picks that pair naturally with the varied textures and flavors of Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.