Wine Beer and Drinking in Oliva
Drinking is cheap all over Oliva, especially in the smaller bars. Beers are
of the pilsen, lager type (ie San Miguel). If you prefer a generally good red or
white then ask for a Rioja. Alicante and Valencia rosés (rosados) are also good
and cheap, as are the cheaper Valdepeñas reds. A crisp, dry white is Rueda or a
Vega Sicilia, aged in oak casks for 10 years (and well worth the wait).
Spaniards
often say that the best white wine in the country comes from Galicia in the
North West. This is probably true but Ribeiro or Albariño wines are still
expensive everywhere, even in supermarkets. Try a sherry (fino or amontillado)
or a Spanish champagne (cava), which compares very favourably with the much more
expensive French champagnes. Go for the brut variety if you like a dry champagne
at a good price. Brandies (coñacs) vary from fiery to smooth.
