BY JAMIE KNEE | JUNE 27, 2023
By Jamie Knee, Certified Cava Educator, Spanish Wine Scholar, and Luxury Wine Writer
Discovering Cava Sparkling Wine in Penedès, Spain
Everyone has heard of Champagne, and most wine lovers know Prosecco, yet the new darling of the sparkling wine world is Cava sparkling wine. Although its popularity is rising rapidly, Cava is far from new. This beautifully expressive bubbly dates back to the late 1800s and is crafted in Spain’s Penedès region using the traditional method, the same technique used in Champagne.
Why Penedès Feels Like a Spanish Sister to My Home Santa Barbara
Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and rugged mountain ranges, Penedès mirrors the dramatic landscapes I adore on the California coast. Much like Santa Barbara, the region enjoys mild winters, warm summers and a coastal influence that creates the perfect conditions for growing expressive grape varieties. Add in rich cultural traditions and mouthwatering Catalan cuisine, and Penedès becomes a dream for any wine traveler.
So, I recently had the chance to explore this beautiful area, and let me tell you, it was love at first sip! The food and wine were just out of this world, but it wasn’t just the tasty treats that stole my heart. The people in the region are so warm and welcoming, it felt like home away from home. Plus, the similarities between Penedès, Spain, and Santa Barbara are uncanny. Both have stunning natural landscapes that make for some seriously gorgeous vineyards. Santa Barbara’s got the Pacific Ocean and rolling hills, and Penedès has the mountains and Mediterranean Sea – talk about breathtaking views! Oh, and the climate is perfect for growing grapes, with warm summers and mild winters. Plus, Penedès has a rich cultural heritage and some seriously delicious Spanish cuisine, much like Santa Barbara.
Why You Should Give Cava a Try
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Cava sparkling wine, and affordability is just the beginning. Although priced far below Champagne, Cava is crafted with astonishing quality and held to rigorous standards by the Cava DO.
Grape Varieties Allowed in Cava DO Wines
- Macabeo
- Xarel-lo
- Parellada
- Chardonnay
- Malvasía
- Garnacha
- Trepat
- Monastrell
- Pinot Noir
These grapes create a refreshing range of styles, from bright and zesty to richly toasty.
Understanding the Six Classifications of Cava
Cava offers diverse expressions based on aging and style. Here’s a simple guide:
1. Cava de Guarda
Aged minimum 9 months on the lees.
Bright, fresh, fruity and floral.
2. Cava Reserva
Aged 15 months or more on the lees.
Elegant with notes of brioche, toast and roasted nuts.
3. Cava Gran Reserva
Aged 30 months or more on the lees.
Complex, honeyed and deeply aromatic with dried fruit and vanilla.
4. Cava de Paraje Calificado
A single-vineyard Cava introduced in 2017.
Exceptional terroir expression and long aging similar to Gran Reserva.
5. Cava Rosado
Pink, expressive and vibrant with flavors of strawberry and raspberry.
6. Cava Brut Nature
No added dosage.
Bone-dry, crisp and pure with citrus and green apple notes.
Crafted With Precision: The Traditional Method
Cava is always made using the Champagne method, meaning each bubble forms naturally during the second fermentation inside the bottle. The meticulous process includes riddling, aging on the lees and manual or mechanical disgorging.
In 2022 alone, the Cava DO sold more than 249 million bottles, solidifying its place as one of the world’s most respected sparkling wines.
Why Cava Belongs in Your Glass
Cava sparkling wine brings a sense of affordable luxury to everyday life. It is crisp, refreshing, lively and endlessly versatile. Whether paired with tapas, seafood, paella or simple moments of celebration, Cava elevates the experience.
If you love sparkling wine—or want to explore something new—Cava deserves a prominent place in your glass.
A Luxury Wine Writer’s Closing Sip
As a Certified Cava Educator, Spanish Wine Scholar and global wine writer, I continue to be inspired by the craftsmanship and heritage behind Cava. Spain’s signature sparkling wine offers beauty, elegance and value, making it an essential part of any wine lover’s journey.
I hope this inspires your next adventure into Spanish sparkling wines. Pour a glass of Cava, toast to discovery, and savor the spirit of Penedès, one beautiful bubble at a time.
📍 Original article published in the Montecito Journal:
https://www.montecitojournal.net/2023/06/27/the-new-darling-of-sparkling-wines/
