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Cava
Spain's traditional-method sparkling wine, mostly from Penedès: Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada, and ageing tiers from Guarda to Paraje Calificado.
In one sip
Cava is Spanish sparkling wine made the same way as Champagne, with the second fermentation in the bottle, usually from three local white grapes. It offers toast and citrus at an everyday price.
Where it started
The first traditional-method Cava bottles were made in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia in 1872.1 Phylloxera hit Penedès in 1887, and growers replanted with local white grapes, which set Cava's personality.2 The name Cava first appeared in an official document in 1959, and the production zones were demarcated in 1986.2 In 2020 the Regulatory Council approved new sub-zones and quality tiers.2
Where and how it's made
Penedès still makes more than 95 percent of Cava.1 The DO also covers Comtats de Barcelona, Valle del Ebro, Viñedos de Almendralejo and Requena.3 Macabeo is the most planted grape; with Xarel·lo and Parellada it forms the classic blend.4 Chardonnay has been allowed since 1986, and Pinot Noir for rosé since 1998.4
Grapes are pressed gently with a maximum yield of 66 percent, then the base wine goes through tirage, at least nine months on the lees in bottle, riddling, disgorgement and dosage.1
How to taste it
Tulip glass. Serve Guarda at 7 to 8°C and Gran Reserva at 10 to 12°C.57 Young Cava shows green apple and citrus;5 aged Cava moves to baked apple, hazelnut and brioche.7 Pairings: jamón, paella, tempura.
Styles and what the label means
- Cava de Guarda — at least 9 months in bottle.5
- Reserva — at least 18 months.6
- Gran Reserva — more than 30 months.7
- Cava de Paraje Calificado — single site, more than 36 months, vines at least 10 years old.8
- Brut Nature to Dulce — sweetness types; Gran Reserva and Paraje only in Brut styles.9
- Rosado — rosé Cava, often from Garnacha, Trepat or Pinot Noir.4
Words to know
Tap a term to get asked about it in The Tasting Room.
Start here — craft pours to try
Real bottles from craft makers on Tipxy.
Sources
- D.O. Cava — The traditional method accessed 2026-10-12
- D.O. Cava — History accessed 2026-10-12
- D.O. Cava — The Cava zones accessed 2026-10-12
- D.O. Cava — Authorised grape varieties accessed 2026-10-12
- D.O. Cava — Cava de Guarda accessed 2026-10-12
- D.O. Cava — Cava Reserva accessed 2026-10-12
- D.O. Cava — Cava Gran Reserva accessed 2026-10-12
- D.O. Cava — Cava de Paraje Calificado accessed 2026-10-12
- D.O. Cava — Categories and types accessed 2026-10-12
Photo: Angela Llop from Spain, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons