Spanish Sparklers

Spanish Sparklers is a tasting of Spain's sparkling wines at Le Petit Raisin on Saturday 24 October, running from 2:00pm for two hours. It's a session that works its way through the country's bubbles, and it doesn't stop at the one name most people know.

Cava has long dominated the scene, and it's a DO with a mixed reputation and a market led by the big houses like Freixenet. The tasting includes a Cava or two, but it moves well beyond that. You'll taste Corpinnat, Pet Nats and Clàssic Penedès, and the brand new Espumoso de Calidad de Rioja, which is just that — a new designation from Rioja. It's a good way to see how much more there is to Spanish sparkling than the bottles that usually end up on the supermarket shelves.

The setting adds its own thing to the afternoon. Le Petit Raisin brings the convivial spirit of a Parisian cave à manger to the heart of Edinburgh, with a room designed for gatherings of up to 16 guests. The tastings are held downstairs, down a spiral staircase from the main venue, which keeps it separate from the street. If you're feeling hungry, you can add a cheese or charcuterie platter from the team to graze on while you go through the glasses.

It's a Saturday afternoon spot, so you've got the rest of the weekend to recover. The tasting is £50.00, and it runs from 2:00pm for two hours at Le Petit Raisin, 51 Thistle Street, EH2 1DY.