Cava

Cava is bubbles with a Spanish soul. Fresh, festive, and with a story that goes far beyond just foam in your glass.

Where does Cava come from?

Cava is Spain’s signature sparkling wine. The heart of production is in Catalonia, around the town of Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. That’s where it all started in the late 19th century, when winemakers adopted the Champagne method. Today Cava can also be made in other regions such as Aragón, La Rioja, and Valencia. Still, Catalonia remains the cradle of Cava, home to the majority of producers.

A short history of the appellation

In 1972, Cava gained official recognition with the ‘Denominación de Origen Cava’. This was necessary because production was spread over several regions and not tied to a single area. Interestingly, the wine was once called ‘Champán’ in Spain. After agreements with France, the name changed to Cava, which literally means ‘cellar’—a nod to the underground cellars where the bottles matured.

Rules and styles

The backbone of Cava comes from the grapes Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. Later, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were added. For rosé, red grapes like Garnacha or Monastrell are required. Aging categories are also key: a basic Cava ages at least 9 months, Reserva 18 months, and Gran Reserva a minimum of 30 months. A top category, ‘Cava de Paraje Calificado’, was recently added for wines from a specific vineyard with at least 36 months of aging.

How is Cava made?

Cava is crafted using the traditional method. First, a base wine is made from the grapes. Then a second fermentation takes place in the bottle, creating bubbles. The wine ages on its lees for months, sometimes years, giving it a soft mousse and subtle brioche notes. After disgorgement, a small dosage of sugar decides whether the wine is Brut, Sec, or Brut Nature. It’s a labor-intensive process, but it’s what gives Cava its quality and distinctive style.

Fun facts about Cava

About 95% of all Cava still comes from Catalonia. More than 250 million bottles are produced each year. Germany and the UK are major importers, and Cava has a strong following in the Netherlands too. Another fun fact: the very first bottle of Cava was made from French grapes, before producers switched to the local varieties we know today.

What is Corpinnat?

In 2017, a group of producers left the Cava appellation to create their own quality label: Corpinnat. Their idea? Stricter rules, including organic grapes, hand harvesting, and longer aging times. Corpinnat wines always come from the Penedès region and are considered the premium expression. For those curious about the more serious side of Spanish sparkling, Recaredo is a top name to look for.

Other Spanish sparkling wines

Spain offers more sparkling wines beyond Cava. A great example is in Valencia at Bodegas Hispano Suizas. They use the traditional method too, but with their own grapes and style. It’s proof that Spain’s sparkling scene is broader than just Cava, with wines that can be just as exciting and complex.

Order Cava online?

At Grandcruwijnen you’ll find a strong selection of Cava. All bottles are stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse. Order online and choose in-store pickup to get an immediate discount, visible right at checkout. That way you take home your bottles in perfect condition, with a bonus saving too.