Your Guide to Understanding Cava
Let’s be honest: do we really need an excuse to open a bottle of something bubbly? Probably not. But when International Cava Day rolls around on the 12th of July, we’re taking that as a very official reason to raise a glass to Spain’s answer to Champagne.
Cava is made in the same traditional way as Champagne (we’re talking second fermentation in the bottle) but with a distinctly Spanish twist. Think Mediterranean sunshine, local grapes, and the kind of price tag that makes you want to celebrate more often. Most of it comes from the Catalonia region, where winemakers have been perfecting the art since the 1870s.
A Brief (and bubbly) History
Back in the 19th century, winemakers in Penedès started borrowing Champagne's method but swapped in their own native grapes, including Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada. The result? A totally new take on sparkling wine that was fresh and zippy, with a Mediterranean twist.
Fast forward to now, and those same grapes are still the backbone of most bottles, though you’ll also see Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Garnacha and Monastrell in the mix, too.
Most people know Cava as the crisp, citrusy fizz that’s perfect for sunny afternoons and spontaneous toasts. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find more serious, aged styles too, with toasty, nutty notes and silky bubbles. These are labeled as Reserva (aged for at least 18 months) or Gran Reserva (a minimum of 30 months).
How to Decode a Cava Bottle
Not all Cava bottles will tell you how long they’ve been aged for but on the cork or foil, you’ll find a coloured sticker to show how long the wine has been aged.
White sticker: Standard Cava - aged at least 9 months. Fresh, fruity, and made for everyday sipping.
Green sticker: Reserva - aged 18+ months. More complexity and structure, perfect with food.
Black sticker: Gran Reserva - aged 30+ months. Rich, elegant, and seriously impressive.
Golden sticker: Paraje Calificado - the top-tier stuff from a single estate and vineyard. This is Cava royalty.
Pop the Cava - It’s time to celebrate spain’s sparkling secret
Vilarnau ‘Gaudi’ Organic Cava Brut Reserva, Penedès - Majestic £13.50 (£10 Mix Any Six)
This eye-catching bottle is inspired by Barcelona’s vibrant mosaic art. Aged for 18 months ahead of release, it’s bright with notes of crisp apple, ripe pear and brioche.
Vilarnau ‘Gaudi’ Organic Rosé Cava Brut Reserva, Penedès - Majestic £13.50 (£10 Mix Any Six)
If you’re looking to try a pink fizz, this elegant rosé Cava is one to add to your list. In 2023 it won a Gold award and a ‘Best in Class Cava Rosé Brut Vintage’ at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships. It’s juicy with ripe red-berry flavours and delicate florals.
No.1 Castillo Perelada Cava Brut - Waitrose £12.50
Waitrose created this high-quality cava in partnership with top producer Castillo Perelada - so you can expect very good things. Enjoy citrus aromas with savoury nutty flavours and a crisp, long finish.
Cune Cava Brut, Penedès - Majestic £13.50 (12.50 Mix Any Six)
It’s elegant and creamy with notes of ripe apple and freshly toasted bread. Perfect for celebratory sipping.
Roger Goulart Gran Reserva Josep Valls - Islington Wine Shop £17.99 (also in wholefoods and The Good Spirits Co.)
Made with a blend of native and French varieties, this splendid sparkling offers intense aromas of apples, yeasty pastries, and fennel. Aged of its lees, the palate is creamy and rich with an invigorating acidity.
Codorniu Vintage Cava - Tesco £10.00
A classic name in Cava. Codorniu makes a range of different styles - and if this is entry level, then you can only imagine what the top stuff is like. A blend of native grapes, including Macabeo, Xarel.lo, and Parellada, expect citrus, apple, and florals.