Intoxicating Cava Bubbles, at La Bodega Bangsar

In an atmosphere that hints at the sumptuous, I remember back in the day, when La Bodega Lounge first opened, and we were ourselves a fixture on their plush sofas, playing scrabble and jenga at all odd hours of the weekend and stuffing our faces on tapas. Ah, yes those were the good old days.

Well now, small plates are not the only offerings at La Bodega Lounge and Tapas Bar, and we turn our attention to something else, though the kitchen does bang out such a delicious and diverse collection that they are impossible to resist.

I am talking about Cava, of course.

And Spain’s famous bubbly might have a reputation for being a pauper’s champagne but a wave of high-quality cava might be changing that. The best part is that it doesn’t bear Champagne’s hefty price tag and as such is not a drink that’s confined to special occasions that still offers quality and, of course, the beloved bubbles.

And if you like Cava, you will probably like the sound of this promotion even more. La Bodega’s Cava Promo will see seven exclusive Cava, paired with Tapas, to celebrate a 2 month long fiesta. The Cava Fest Bubbly Brunch will be tailored around the discovery of these sparkling wines along with an accompanying canapés brunch menu.

The Bodega Muga Conde de Haro Cava, NV – A highly drinkable Cava. The nose was dominated by tangy fruit and floral aromas. In the background, honey, vanilla notes. Honeyed yet fresh in the mouth, thanks to its significant acidity. The combination of fruit and acidity made it easy to drink.  

The Villa Conchi Cava Brut Rose – Not really one of our favourites, we found this rose sharp and young. (As you can tell, we prefer more mellow cava). However, it did possess an attractive cherry red color with fine long lasting bubbles. The palate was fresh and pleasant if not a little weak, and for want of a better word, sharp. Definitely of medium intensity. Perfect as an aperitif for very, very light dishes.

The Raventos I Blanc ‘de Nit’ Cava Rosado –  A lovely faded rose pink colour that’s irresistably girly. Flavours of strawberries, dusty rose aromatics, gentle and perfumed without being overpowering were a pleasure to taste. This Cava was ultimately off-dry, juicy and gentle, with high quality delicate bubbles underpinning the fruit. Delicate and beautiful, it was only too easy to drink.

The Noche y Dia Cava Yellow Label Brut Nature- This was our favourite of the lot. Mellow and round with a long, pleasant, lingering and mouthfeel, it was love at first sip! Holding it up to the light, you will see a nice pale-yellow colour with fast but rare bubbles. On the nose you will smell dry, lemony notes. This was definitely a medium-high acidity Cava with heaps of personality. Paired well with the meats.

The Anna de Codorníu Brut NV- “Anna” was the first Cava to be made using Chardonnay and there is something very champagne-like about this premium Cava. You’ll find bright aromas of tropical fruit and a soft well-balanced and refreshing palate, with elegant citrus notes and fine, persistent bubbles.

The Miguel Torres, Santa Digna Estelado Sparkling Rose 2011- A deliciously refreshing rose, full of fresh blackcurrant fruit with great character. Expertly made by Torres it reflected the wonderful Chilean sunshine.

The Villa Conchi Cava Brut Seleccion – The Brut Seleccion was a generous bubbly, with great balance of aromas between fruits and toasted caramel. It was perfect as an aperitif as well as an accompaniment to the berries and tapas dishes. Best served super chilled!

And as for you bubbly die-hard fans, the Sunday Bubbly Hi-Tea is on every Sunday from 2pm till 5pm. This will go on throughout the Cava-Fest period which will run from NOW, until the end of August 2014.

Tapas include Fresh Mixed Berries,  Tortilla Espanola, Pollo ‘Yakitori’ Picante con Allioli (Yakitori chicken skewers with garlic mayonnaise), Beef Skewers, Tosta de Escalibada (Flat Bread with Anchovies & Pimientos), Mini Lemon Tart and Crème Catalana Spanish (crème brulee).

Cava Fest Highlights this June to August 2014Explore 7 different kinds of cava at a promotional price of RM190++1. Bodega Muga Conde de Haro Cava, NV2. Villa Conchi Cava Brut Rose3. Noche y Dia Cava Yellow Label Brut Nature4. Anna de Codorníu Blanc de Blancs5. Miguel Torres, Santa Digna, Estelado SparklingRose 20116. Raventos I Blanc ‘de Nit’ Cava Rosado7. Villa Conchi Cava Brut Seleccion

Discovery TrayExperience the 7 kinds of cava in tasting portions with the Discovery Tray.Grilled Salmon Pairing at RM68++Pair 2 glasses of any cava of your choice with a delectable grilled salmon platter served with toasted panini with fresh dill and butter.

Indulge in the 5 signature Cava Cocktails at RM30++ per glass!Blood MoonWatermelon liqueur, Apple Sour, Cava, Lemon Peel, Apple SliceSupernovaRaspberry Vodka, Peach Liqueur, Apple Syrup, Cava, Ginger Ale, Strawberry, Lemon Slice, Kiwi SliceStarlight SurpriseStar Anise, Galiano, Gran Marnier, Angostura Bitter, CavaStrawberry EclipseTriple Sec, Skyy Citrus, Ginger Ale, Pineapple Juice, Cava, Fresh Strawberry, Grenadine SyrupCava SunrisePassionfruit Puree, Strawberry Puree, Strawberry, Cava

Cava Bubbly Hi-­Tea at La Bodega LoungeSpend Sunday afternoon at La Bodega Lounge (Telawi 2) with 7 types of cava free‐flowing alongside a Hi-­Tea Carousel consisting of an array of sweet treats and a pairing of Grilled Salmon with Panini Toast.Cava Free-­Flow: RM180++Cava Free-­Flow with Hi-­Tea Carousel: RM220++

Finally, Cava for your Birthday Celebrations! If it’s your birthday month anytime in June to August 2014, dine­ at any La Bodega outlet and get a bottle of Bodega Muga Conde de Haro Cava on the house.

So you know where to go, for your bubbly fix these next two months, ya?