Wine Style
Cava
Sparkling Wine
Cava is Spain's traditional-method sparkling wine, traditionally from Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. It offers Champagne-like structure at friendlier prices — crisp acidity, green apple, and almond notes. Excellent with tapas, fried foods, and salty snacks.
Pronunciation: kah-vah
Wine structure
Typical descriptors
Typical grapes
- macabeo
- xarel lo
- parellada
Typical regions
Food pairings
Primary
Secondary
- Jamón and olives
- Fried calamari
Foods to avoid
- Very sweet desserts
- Aggressive chili without fat
Substitutions
If you cannot find Cava, try:
Serving
- Temperature: 42–48°F (6–9°C)
- Glassware: Flute or tulip glass
- Decanting: Not needed
- Cellaring / aging: NV 1–3 years; Reserva and Gran Reserva 3–10 years
Beginner guide
Great value bubbly — look for Reserva for more toast and depth.
FAQ
- Is Cava made like Champagne?
- Yes — traditional bottle fermentation, though grape varieties and climate differ.