📜 Cava
A Spanish classic-method sparkling wine, mostly from Penedès in Catalonia.
Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine made by the classic method. Most of it is produced in Penedès, in Catalonia, not far from Barcelona. The name is protected as a geographical indication of the European Union and is listed in the eAmbrosia register.
White grapes are used here: Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada. Chardonnay is also allowed, and red grapes are used for rosé cava. Like Champagne, cava goes through its second fermentation inside the bottle and rests on its lees for a long time. For the simplest cava this period is at least 9 months.
Cava tastes fresh, dry or semi-dry, with bright acidity. It can be white or rosé. It usually costs less than Champagne, so it is often chosen for a festive table.
Cava is not the same as Prosecco. Prosecco is made in Italy from a different grape, and its bubbles are usually created in a large tank. Cava is closer to Champagne in method. As with any alcohol, it should be drunk in moderation.
Links
- Related to
- 📍 Penedès
- Main grapes
- 🍇 Macabeo, 🍇 Xarel·lo, 🍇 Parellada, 🍇 Chardonnay
- Wines
- 🍷 White wine, 🍷 Rosé, 🍷 Sparkling wine
Frequently asked questions
What is cava?
A Spanish classic-method sparkling wine, mostly from Penedès in Catalonia.
Which grapes are used for cava?
Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada; Chardonnay is also allowed, and red grapes for rosé cava.
How is cava different from Prosecco?
Cava is made in Spain by the classic method with fermentation in the bottle, while Prosecco is Italian, from a different grape, usually made in a tank.
Similar
📍 Penedès · 📜 Etyek sparkling wine · 📜 Vigneti della Serenissima · 📜 Flemish quality sparkling wine · 📜 Alta Langa · 📜 Oltrepò Pavese metodo classico
⚠️ Wine contains alcohol: adults only, drink in moderation. Wine usually contains sulphites; egg white or milk proteins are sometimes used for fining — important for allergies and for vegans.