Best cava to buy, according to our experts

Score: 89/100

Our winning cava is as close as you’ll come to that just-landed-on-Spanish-soil feeling (minus the air miles). It’s incredibly aromatic, with tart gooseberries, lemon peel, and a hint of honeydew melon at the fore. Lingering acidity makes it perfect for pairing with buttery manchego and Manzanilla olives for your next picky tea.

Score: 87/100

Made exclusively for Waitrose, this easy-drinking fizz comes from one of Spain’s most esteemed cava producers. It opens with delicate citrus, followed by toasted brioche and a hint of dried apricot sweetness, with light, lingering bubbles. A stellar aperitif for all seasons.

Score: 86/100

Lidl can always be relied upon for a bargain bottle of wine, and this cava is certainly no exception. Expect a crowd-pleasing combination of lemon drops, white blossom, and refreshing acidity that makes for effortlessly easy drinking – at that price, there's no reason not to pop another bottle.

Score: 83/100

Strawberries and raspberries are unsurprisingly the standout element in this bright and fresh pink fizz, underscored by a touch of peach. Team with platters of jamon, tuna steak or fruity berry desserts.

Score: 82/100

Scoring highly with our panel, Asda’s zingy cava excelled with aromatic lemon zest, peach and pear on the nose, moving towards light grapefruit and blossom on the palate. Full, frothy bubbles dissipate quickly, and overall testers found it refreshing and easy drinking.

Score: 78/100

Made exclusively from the macabeo grape, Co-op's cava is deliciously rich and creamy. You can expect layers of toasted brioche alongside tropical fruit and lemon shortbread, and testers enjoyed the smooth, clean finish and gentle bubbles.

Score: 77/100

Save the pennies with Aldi’s inexpensive, expert-approved fizz. While it’s not the most aromatic on test, the panel found the simple flavours — which include delicate blossom, lemon and stone fruit — refreshing and well-balanced.

Score: 76/100

Sourdough bursts out of the glass here, with fruitier elements following on the palate — think fig, peach and orchard fruit. Made with the classic combination of xarel-lo, macabeo and parellada grapes, it has resulted in a well-rounded drop with plentiful bubbles.

Score: 76/100

Freixenet is one of the most well-known brands in the world of cava, and its recognisable black bottle scored well with the panel. You can expect a crisp, fruity profile, with a saline edge and bright citrus. Those with a sweet tooth will also enjoy Freixenet’s Ice Cuvée Especial Semi Seco, which is designed to be enjoyed over ice.

Score: 76/100

Although better known for its rioja, Cune is also a safe bet when it comes to a clean, crisp Spanish fizz. This one's exclusive to Majestic, with lemon sherbet dominating the palate, and a little supporting minerality that will cut through rich food.

Deal: Buy six or more and save £5, making this £10 a bottle

Score: 76/100

Oh-so-drinkable, Segura’s blush has an intense fruitiness courtesy of strawberries, gooseberry and red currants, with a touch of uplifting citrus to boot. It would make an excellent aperitif, while also pairing well with meaty fish and Mediterranean roasted veg.

Score: 74/100

Our expert panel praised the “complex dried fruit flavour,” “lingering citrus,” and “toasted notes” on display in this Sainsbury’s cava. Serve chilled, or follow the ratio of three parts cava, two parts limoncello, and one part soda for a refreshing spritz.

Score: 72/100

Since 1872, Cordinui has continued its original blend of three traditional grape varieties – Macabeo, Xarel.lo and Parellada – to make its award-winning cava; as they say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Elegant and crisp, our testers loved the balance of ripe apricot, honey sweetness, and zippy sherbert lemon on the finish.