12 Linajes, Cuvée Original NV, Cava, Penedès, Spain

No one has been producing Cava in Spain longer than Codorníu – indeed, the 'Cuvée Original' has been made to pay homage to the first bottle of Cava ever produced, in 1872, by Josep Raventós. The company are masters at the art of making large volumes of great-value, fruity, fresh fizz for the high street, and I'd always go for Codorníu over Freixenet (the other Cava behemoth) at this price level. Produced organically, this is really polished, bubbly in personality, with flamboyant orchard fruit character – apple and pear, even quince. Juicy with a lingering fruit sweetness and a lively, tangy finish. A great party option. Mix six price £11