Cava is Spain’s principal traditional-method sparkling denomination. Secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle, with styles ranging from youthful and citrus-led to long-aged, complex and dry.
Location
Region
Supra-regional
Protected status
Protection
DOP · DO
Wine profile
Typical focus
Traditional-method sparkling wines, Brut Nature, Brut and sweeter dosage levels
Varieties
Notable grapes
Macabeo, Xarel·lo, Parellada
Identity and character
What defines Cava?
Cava is Spain’s principal traditional-method sparkling denomination. Secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle, with styles ranging from youthful and citrus-led to long-aged, complex and dry.
Growing conditions
Climate
Production areas cross more than one autonomous community, so climate and soils vary by zone.
Place and soils
Landscape
A multi-regional protected name whose identity is defined by its specification rather than a single landscape.
Wine categories
Characteristic wine styles
- Traditional-method sparkling wines
- Brut Nature, Brut and sweeter dosage levels
- White and rosé Cava
- Long-aged Reserva and Gran Reserva
Varieties
Notable grapes
- Macabeo
- Xarel·lo
- Parellada
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Trepat
At the table
Food pairing ideas
- Tapas
- Fried foods
- Seafood
- Rice dishes
- Cheese