Bargain Bubbly: Kila Cava lives up to its name

This bargain bubbly from Jorge Ordonez is killer!

In the bargain bubbly category, it’s hard to beat Cava, Spain’s answer to Champagne. I’ve tasted many of these over the years and rarely have I found one I didn’t like. To paraphrase Animal Farm, “All Cavas are good. Some are more gooder than others.” This year, I found one of those that excels: the Kila Cava 2009, from famed Spanish wine broker Jorge Ordonez. Not only is it a delicious vintage-dated, estate-grown Cava, but it tastes more expensive than its $10 price tag would suggest. And that makes it a terrific value. Here’s my 2-star (Excellent) review from this week’s column in The Washington Post:

I’m usually leery of wines with cute names and flashy labels, but here the marketing fits – this is killer. Ripe and full, it echoes Champagne without explicitly imitating it, and it has more heft and interest than most Cavas at this price. Worth stocking up on or buying for your holiday parties. Most vintage Cavas of this quality are at least $15.

Country Vintner: Available in the District at Cleveland Park Wine and Spirits, and on the list at Bodega. Available in Maryland at Chevy Chase Supermarket; Georgetown Square Beer & Wine in Bethesda; Wine Cellars of Annapolis; and Woodmoor Supermarket in Silver Spring. Available in Virginia at Frenchman’s Cellar in Culpepper; various Total Wine & More locations; Town Duck in Warrenton; and Whole Foods Market in Alexandria; and on the list at Columbia Firehouse in Alexandria; Fireworks in Arlington; and EVO Bistro in McLean.