Cristalino Brut Rose Cava 1975

Almost red in color, with bright but reduced strawberry and cherry aromas. The palate bursts with the flavor or raspberry sorbet, and the feel is smooth and easy. Not a complex wine, but a fun one if you like some red-fruit sweetness.

Cristalino is always a solid go-to Cava. This brut is round, slightly yeasty and shows citrus aromas that veer toward lemon-lime. The palate is healthy and clean, with a narrow set of citrus and apple flavors. Fairly full and long on the finish, which makes the whole package more than worthwhile given the cost.

Pale and creamy from start to finish, this has hints of richness from aging on the lees while the flavors remain tight and clean. Chill it for hamachi kama.

A touch sweaty on the nose, with a softening hint of apple cider. The palate is fairly full and meaty, with melon, apple and burnt almond flavors. Finishes toasty and warm, and itandrsquo;s here that the fruit shows brightest. Good for parties.

A full-flavored, assertive Spanish sparkler that starts with toasty, spicy aromas, then wraps its nutty, fruity flavors in a rich texture. Lingers nicely on the finish, too. Lots of character for this price range.

Light, bright gold with a slow, fine bead. Pungent aromas of dried flowers, smoky herbs, orange peel and apple. Very complex for the price, offering round orchard and pit fruit flavors and bracingly bitter citrus pith. Finishes on a gently sweet note, with repeating notes of flowers and orange. This can be had for as little as $7 in some markets, which must make it the best sparkling wine value around.

Light aromas of petrol and lemon-lime are entirely correct for cava, and the palate pushes fresh fruit in the tangerine and grapefruit realm. Has a bit of heft and zap, with a dry, largely clean finish. Fine on its own; maybe better in a Spanish-style mimosa.