Cava

Cava is Spain's most famous sparkling wine and is made using the same traditional method as Champagne . It's a style that combines finesse, freshness, and accessibility, with wines ranging from crisply dry to full-bodied and complex. Thanks to its Mediterranean influences, chalky soils, and long aging periods, Cava offers exceptional value in the world of premium sparkling wines.

What is Cava?

Cava is a sparkling wine produced mainly in Catalonia and made using the método tradicional — the same method in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. The classic grapes used are Macabeo , Xarel-lo , and Parellada , supplemented with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Trepat. Cava comes in various styles, ranging from the crisp Brut Nature to the refined Reserva and Gran Reserva, which are aged long on the lees.

Origin and vineyards

Although Cava is made in several parts of Spain, the vast majority comes from Penedès in Catalonia, around the town of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia — the centre of the Cava industry.

Key terroir characteristics:

• Chalky soils in Penedès – ideal for freshness and precision.
• Mediterranean climate – warm days and cool nights produce ripe fruit and aromatic tension.
• The high altitude of the Parellada vineyards ensures elegance and finesse.
• Xarel·lo as the backbone – a grape that provides structure, acidity and aging potential.

The combination of grape variety and microclimates creates a wide range of flavours within one region.

Styles and vinification

Cava should always be made by second fermentation in the bottle , followed by maturation on the lees.

Maturation categories

• Cava – minimum 9 months of maturation
• Cava Reserva – minimum 18 months
• Cava Gran Reserva – minimum 30 months
• Cava de Paraje Calificado – single-vineyard top quality, minimum 36 months

Sweetness levels

• Brut Nature (0–3 g/L)
• Extra Brut
• Brut
• Extra Seco
• Seco
• Semi-Seco
• Dulce

Taste characteristics

• Citrus, green apple, pear
• Brioche, toast and subtle autolyse at Reserva & Gran Reserva
• Fine mousse
• Fresh tension with Mediterranean softness

Permitted grapes

• Macabeo – soft, floral, friendly
• Xarel·lo – structure, acids, depth
• Parellada – fresh and elegant
• Chardonnay – finesse and international style
• Trepat – rosé
• Pinot Noir – rosé and premium blends

Storage and serving

• Cava (basic): 1–2 years
• Reserve: 3–5 years
• Gran Reserva: 5–10 years
• Paraje Calificado: 8–12 years

Serving temperature: 6–8 degrees.
Use slim sparkling glasses for optimal mousse and aromas.

Buy Cava at Perfectewijn.nl

At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find Cava in a variety of styles: from crisp Brut Nature and Brut to elegant Reserva and Gran Reserva with long aging. Thanks to the traditional method, Cava offers Champagne-like finesse at an affordable price, ideal for both festive occasions and gourmet consumption.