Dominio de Requena Cava Brut Nature NV

If you think Cava means an ocean of bland, industrial fizz – you're mostly right. But Pago de Tharsys is a rare exception. Vicente García (AKA “the Godfather of Valencian Cava”) organically farms twelve hectares of vines 700m up in the Las Cabrillas mountains. The grapes are hand-picked at night and made into a range of great value traditional-method sparkling wines. It's Cava from a grower, not a factory.

Pago de Tharsys was founded by Ana Suria and Vicente García in 1981, although its roots can be traced back to the early 19th century. Located in the Las Cabrillas mountains, approximately 60km inland, the estate's south-facing vineyards are planted around the bodega.

Vicente is a local leader in sustainability and biodiversity, and grows Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo, Bobal, Chardonnay and Garnacha. Grapes are gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel.

One of the driving forces behind the region's inclusion within the Cava DO, Vicente produces a range of excellent value, traditional method sparkling wines, as well as a small number of white and red cuvées made from local varieties.

Made from 75% Macabeo and 25% Parellada, Pago de Tharsys's Brut Nature Cava offers a delicate citrus and floral character layered with elegant toasty nuances – the result of 12 months spent on lees. Vicente also produces complex white and rosé vintage Cavas from Chardonnay and Grenache, as well as a deeply flavoured Gran Reserva Cava 'Cerámica', which is aged on its lees for 44 months and bottled with zero dosage.