TYPES OF CAVA

Generally speaking, Cava can be classified into two categories. The first one is defined by its ageing time. The second one depends on the amount of sugar per litre.

We have a prepared a selection of Catalan sparkling wines that will help you get acquainted with the different types of Cava available on the market.

 

The Cavas with the least quantity of sugar per litre (from 0 to 3 grams) are called Brut Nature. To many aficionados, this kind of wines constitute the purest expression of Cava because of its crisp, zippy character. In this category, we suggest Perelada Gran Claustro 2010 Reserva Brut Nature 2010, by Castillo Perelada, a sparkler that complements the traditional blend with a touch of Chardonnay & Pinot Noir, the clean Llopart Integral Brut Nature 2013, by Bodegas Llopart and the cool-looking Glaç Brut Nature, produced by Cava Maria Casanovas.

Next we have the Cavas labelled as Brut, which can contain up to 12 grams of sugar per litre. Less dry and yummier than the former ones, this segment nevertheless comprises very good wines. Wines such as Raventós i Blanc L'Hereu 2013, de Raventós i Blanc, and the sophisticated Naveran Perles Blanques 2013, of Caves Naveran.

 

When a Cava has a sugar content between 32 and 50 grams it belongs to the Demi-Sweet (Semi-seco) category. This kind of wine pairs very well with desserts. A good instance is Mascaró Ambrosía Reserva Semiseco, an excellent value of Bodegas Mascaró.

 

Finally, we also have the possibility of enjoying a Sweet Cava, i.e., a sparkling wine with a sugar content over 50 grams per litre. If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss Juvé y Camps Sweet, crafted by the prestigious Juvé y Camps winery.

 

As far as the ageing time is concerned, the Cavas with a minimum ageing period of 15 months are labelled Reserva. Here we find products such as the original Rosa Cusiné 2011, an organic rosé Cava, single varietal Red Grenache, by the Parés Baltà winery. And another product by Juvé y Camps, Juvé y Camps Milesimé Brut Reserva 2012, a refined single varietal Chardonnay.

 

We reach the top with the Cavas Gran Reserva. These are top-quality products that have been aged for a minimum of 30 months in the bottle, and usually for much longer. Again, we bring two single varietal wines. Agustí Torelló Mata Gran Reserva Barrica 2010 is a bold, complex varietal Macabeo crafted by Agustí Torelló Mata. Lastly, Gramona Argent 2011 is a 100% Chardonnay Cava of Bodegas Gramona.

 

Until our next post,

Just enjoy wine