Cava (wine)

Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine made by the traditional method, in which the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle.

Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine made by the traditional method, with most production in Catalonia. It is typically drier and more complex than Prosecco and usually costs less than Champagne.

What it is

Cava is a protected designation of origin sparkling wine from Spain, primarily produced in the Penedès region of Catalonia. It is made using the traditional method, where the second fermentation occurs in the bottle, yielding fine bubbles and toasty, yeasty notes. The main grape varieties are Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada.

Why it matters

Cava is widely seen as a value-driven alternative to Champagne and Prosecco. It offers complexity from bottle fermentation at a lower price point, making it a popular choice for celebrations and everyday drinking. In Canada, Cava is commonly available in liquor stores alongside other imported sparkling wines.

Key details

Cava ranges from bone-dry Brut Nature to sweet Dulce, with most bottles falling in the Brut to Extra Dry range. Typical alcohol content is 11.5% to 12.5% ABV. Well-known producers include Freixenet, Codorníu, Juve & Camps, and Raventós i Blanc.