Catalonia (Penedès) · Spain
Cava
Cava is Spain's traditional-method sparkling wine, first made in 1872 by Josep Raventós of Codorníu after he applied the Champagne method to native Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada grapes in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia. When EU rules barred Spanish producers from using 'champagne,' the wine took the name 'cava' (cellar), for the underground cellars where it ages.
Approximate, per 1 flute (~125ml). Values vary by recipe and portion.
Where it comes from
Cava is Spain's traditional-method sparkling wine, first made in 1872 by Josep Raventós of Codorníu after he applied the Champagne method to native Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada grapes in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia. When EU rules barred Spanish producers from using 'champagne,' the wine took the name 'cava' (cellar), for the underground cellars where it ages. It is the flagship celebratory wine of Spain, centred on the Penedès region.
Where to eat Cava
0 restaurants worldwide serve it.
The variants
Brut Nature
No added sugar, the driest expression.
Brut
Dry and crisp, the most widely sold style.
Cava Rosado
Pink cava from red grapes like Garnacha or Trepat.
Cava de Guarda Superior
Aged 18+ months for reserva and gran reserva bottlings.
Cook it yourself
- Cava
This spritz-style aperitif shows off Cava's crisp, citrusy bubbles without burying them, lengthened with a splash of orange and a whisper of liqueur. It is a bright, low-fuss way to open a meal in the Penedès spirit of celebration.