Cava is Spain’s answer to sparkling wine, offering quality and character at a price that won’t break the bank. Made with care, every sip reflects the Mediterranean’s sunny vineyards. Whether paired with food or enjoyed on its own, Cava is an excellent choice.

Ready to discover Cava? Let’s dive in.

The Grapes Behind the Bubbles

Cava is no newcomer to sparkling wine. Produced using the same labor-intensive process as Champagne, the unique character of Cava starts with the grapes: local Spanish varieties like Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. Each of these brings something special to the glass:

Macabeo adds freshness and delicate floral notes.
Xarel·lo brings body, complexity, and herbal undertones like fennel.
Parellada rounds things out with zesty citrus notes.

Cava Styles: From Every Day to Extra Fancy

Cava comes in several styles based on its aging time—from lively and fresh to rich and complex. Younger Cavas are bright and fruit-forward, while the older ones take on a creamy, toasty richness. Here’s a quick guide:

Cava de Guarda

Cava, aged at least 9 months: Light, fruity, and perfect for everyday sipping.

Cava de Guarda Superior

Cava de Reserva, aged at least 18 months: A bit more complex, with added depth.
Cava Gran Reserva, aged at least 30 months: Rich and sophisticated, great for special occasions.
Cava de Paraje Calificado, aged at least 36 months: The cream of the crop, made with grapes from a single vineyard. Expect the pinnacle of flavor and complexity here.

Cava also has a range of sweetness levels. If you’re after a bone-dry option, select Brut Nature. Other dry options include Extra Brut, and Brut. Looking for a hint of sweetness? Choose (in ascending order of sugar levels) Extra Seco, Seco, or Semi-Seco. Then there’s Dulce for those with a serious sweet tooth. Consider it dessert in a glass.

Organic Cava: Bubbly That’s Good for You and the Planet

Increasingly, Cava producers are embracing organic and biodynamic farming practices to protect the land, the vines, and the quality of the wine. The Cava Regulatory Council is fully committed to sustainability, beginning with its Guarda Superior Cavas. Starting in 2025, all Reserva, Gran Reserva, and Paraje Calificado Cavas will be 100% organic, made from carefully selected, certified organic vineyards.

**A Food Friend: What Doesn’t Go with Cava?**

**At a Cava wine lunch at Corkbuzz restaurant: Hamachi with shiso ponzu broth.***Photo: Lisa Denning*

Cava is one of the most food-friendly sparkling wines out there. Whether you’re planning a tapas spread, a fancy dinner, or ordering in pizza, Cava is up for the job. Here are some pairing ideas:

Seafood: Cava's bright acidity and bubbles make it perfect for shellfish, oysters, or grilled shrimp.
Charcuterie and Cheese: Salty cured meats and creamy cheeses? Yes, please.
Fried Foods: Cava’s crisp bubbles cut through the richness of fried dishes like fried calamari, fried chicken, or French fries.
Asian Cuisine: Cava's freshness complements wasabi-laced sushi, spicy Thai dishes, and just about anything with soy sauce.

Meet Three Great Organic Cava Producers

Now that you’re ready to pour yourself a glass, let’s get to know three Cava producers who are doing exciting things in the world of Spanish sparkling wine:

Note for travelers: All three wineries accept visitors and are within about an hour of the colorful Catalonian city of Barcelona.

Parés Baltà
Parés Baltà is a family-owned winery with roots going back to 1790. They produce highly praised Cavas and still wines from their five Demeter-certified biodynamic vineyards. Parés Baltà Rosa Cusine 2019 is a must-try, with bright red berry flavors, a hint of brioche, and a crisp, dry finish. It’s a perfect example of the winery’s commitment to crafting wines that are both delicious and true to their Mediterranean roots.
Vilarnau
Vilarnau’s modern winery is where they craft elegant, terroir-driven sparkling wines. Take their Rosé Delicat Brut—housed in stylish mosaic-tiled bottles, this fruity, approachable sparkler has just a hint of sweetness, perfect for easy sipping. For something more refined, Vilarnau offers the Reserva Organic 2019, a gastronomic wine designed to pair beautifully with food. Made from Macabeo, Parellada, and Chardonnay, the Reserva is aged over 24 months to develop toasty notes of honey and nuts, ending with a long, elegant finish.
Ferré i Catasús
This small, family-owned winery focuses on quality and creativity, producing lively, fresh Cava. Its range is perfect for everything from beach days to elegant dinners, showing just how versatile and accessible Cava can be. Their Maria Miralles Brut Nature 2022 is dry with hints of fruitiness, brioche, and a slight smokiness. It has fine, elegant bubbles and a long, persistent finish. Delicious!