cava fizz

Fizz Face-off: I compare Asda’s sparkling £5 Progrigio and a same price cava

If you’re a regular in Asda you might have noticed that the retailer has brought out a new sparkling wine to catch the attention of prosecco drinkers.

The sparkling wine world is increasingly popular in the UK but very crowded. Every time a butterfly flutters its wings, a new sparkling wine is born, each one trying to take a piece of that marketplace.

 Progrigio (£5, 11% abv) is Asda’s new sparkling wine and  I’m told that it is “a unique wine that blends the effervescent versatility of the bestselling sparkling wine grape in the world, glera, and the classic full flavours and crisp acidity of the wine which has become a worldwide symbol of Italian winemaking, pinot grigio”. I know this because I read it here at Progrigio.com.

What do I think of it? I’m making life difficult for myself with a mini- Scientific Experiment.

I was in Asda a couple of days ago and spotted a cava, also for a fiver. I love cava and think it’s massively overlooked by fizz lovers.

I bought Marques Del Norte Cava  (11.5% abv) and challenged myself to a fizz-off with these two wines.  I’ve given points out of 5 on bubble strength, aromas, the taste and overall impression. Yes. I’m sitting on the settee doing this right now on my own. Call me sad.


Progrigio:

Bubbles
Well it has bubbles – 2 marks.
Aromas
Apples, grapes, a hint of flowers but also something plasticky
– 2 marks
Taste
Mouth-watering acidity but fruit flavours disappear very quickly leaving a tinny aftertaste  –  1 mark

Overall impression – 2 marks


Marques Del Norte:

Bubbles
This cava enjoyed being poured – 3 marks
Aromas
Cava is made in the same way as champagne which means there’s aromas of fresh apples, citrus, and newly-baked buttery bread – 3 marks
Taste
Apple, a touch of caramel (like the edges of a crispy apple pie); the juiciness retains some flavour after you’ve sipped – 3 marks

Overall impression – 3 marks


I’ll leave you to do the sums.
(Because I’ve never been very good at sums.)

3 thoughts on “Fizz Face-off: I compare Asda’s sparkling £5 Progrigio and a same price cava”

  1. Marques del Monte Vintage Cava is absolutely delicious. I have only tasted it at room temperature and I would be afraid that chilling it would only dull the lovely flavours. This Cava is better than champagne.

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