Our Guide to Cava Sparkling Wines: Our Top 12 Best Cava

If you are looking for a delicious sparkling wine that is affordable and easy to find, then you should definitely check out Cava.

It’s an affordable sparkling wine made in Spain, and it has become quite popular in recent years. There are many different brands and types of Cava available, so it can be a little overwhelming to know where to start.

That’s why we have put together a guide to this Spanish sparkling wine and a list of our 12 Best Cava wines!

What is Cava?

It’s a Spanish sparkling wine that is usually made from a blend of different Spanish grapes, such as Parellada, Macabeo, and Xarel-lo. However, you may also find some that are made from international grapes such as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.

How is it Produced?

It’s made using the traditional method (aka Champagne Method), which means that the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle. In addition, Cava has a minimum of 9 months aging on the lees.

The traditional method is a bit longer and more complicated than the tank method, which is commonly used to make sparkling wine. However, many people believe that the traditional method results in a better-tasting product and is what gives the wine its signature fine bubbles.

And although Cava and Champagne use the same production method, Cava wines are typically more affordable.

Where is it Produced?

Typically made in Spain, specifically in the Catalonia (Catalunya) region. However, you may also find some that are made in other countries, such as Argentina, Chile, and the United States.

What Does Cava Taste Like?

Usually light to medium-bodied with a delicate flavor profile.

The wine’s primary flavors are typically fruity, including notes of green apple, pear, citrus, and stone fruits.
Secondary flavors may include white flowers, brioche, and nutty notes. And they generally have a high acidity, which contributes to their crispness.

Cava Food Pairings

Ceviche and Seafood

Best paired with light and refreshing seafood dishes, such as ceviche. The wine’s citrus and floral notes help to bring out the flavors of the seafood. And it can be paired well with hearty and/or fried seafoods with the effervescence cutting through the fattiness of the dish.

Paella

The wine’s bright acidity and slight sweetness help to cut through the richness of a paella. The wine’s fruity notes also pair well with the dish’s other flavors, such as saffron and vegetables.

Tapas

The sparkling wine’s effervescence and high acidity help to cleanse the palate in between bites of tapas. And the nuttiness of the wine also highlights the flavors of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and other small plates.

Creamy risotto and dishes

The bubbles and high acidity help to cut through the creaminess of a risotto, while its fruity and floral aromas enhance the flavor of the dish.

What are the Different Types?

Based on Aging

There are four (4) different types of Cava, which are distinguished by their aging on the lees.

Cava – 9 months
Reserva Cava – 18 months
Cava Gran Reserva – 30 months
Cava de Paraje Calificado – 36 months

Based on Sweetness/Dryness Levels

There are three (3) different types of Cava, which are distinguished by their sweetness levels.

Brut Nature: This is the driest type of Cava, and it contains no added sugar.
Extra Brut: This type of Cava is also quite dry, but it contains a very small amount of added sugar (Dosage).
Brut: This is the most common type of Cava, and it contains a moderate amount of sugar.

If you are not sure which type to choose, we recommend going for a Brut or Extra Brut. These types of Cavas are typically more versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of different foods.

12 Best Cava Wines Under $25

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1) Mercat Cava Brut

This is a popular Cava in the US market. Because it has a welcome nose of ripe pear, apricots, and brioche with zesty minerality on the palate and a structured acidity on the finish.

2) Tussock Jumper Cava Brut Reserva N.V.

One of the better value Cava Reserva I have tasted. It has a complex nose of ripe fruits, citrus zest, and toasty notes. On the palate, it has a creamy texture that’s well balanced by vibrant acidity.

3) Mercat Cava Brut Rose

I enjoyed this Rose more than their Brut. Because it was surprisingly complex with notes of red berries, citrus, and a hint of floral notes on the nose. On the palate, it has crisp acidity with a hint of sweetness, along with a delicate texture that makes it perfect for celebrating any occasion.

4) Juvé & Camps Cava Gran Reserva Brut Nature Reserva de la Familia

This is a Gran Reserva Cava that has been aged for 30 months on the lees. And with an intense nose of ripe lemons, apples, peaches, and a hint of nuttiness and toast. On the palate, it’s has good balance and complexity with plenty of acidity and a long finish. Another great choice if you are looking for an affordable alternative Champagne option.

5) Avinyó Cava Reserva Brut

I really enjoyed this lovely wine and I liked the simplicity of the bottle design. Also, it has an intense nose of fresh green apples and pears along with a hint of honey and mineral notes on the palate. On the finish, it just a nice crisp and dry bubbly that makes it a great food pairing wine.

6) Castell de Sant Pau Cava Rosé N.V.

This Rose has a lovely pink blush color and intense aromas of strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and an underlying hint of honey, cream, and toast. On the palate, it’s light and fresh with bright acidity that helps to balance out the sweetness.

7) Pinord Dibon Brut Rose Cava

Another fantastic QPR Rose on this list! This Cava has a vibrant ruby color and intense aromas of strawberries, raspberries, orange peel, and just a hint of yeast. On the palate, it’s well-balanced with a creamy texture and lively acidity.

8) Marqués de Gelida Cava Gran Reserva Brut

This is a Gran Reserva Cava with an intense nose of apple, pear, honey and toasty notes. On the palate, it’s well-balanced with plenty of bright acidity and a long finish.

9) Segura Viudas Cava Reserva Heredad Brut

Another one of the most popular Cavas in the US market, with its signature bottle. It opens with fresh aromas of citrus, apples, and nuts. But then on the palate, it’s fine bubbles accentuates the apricot and orange flavors with a crisp acidity.

10) Pere Mata Cava Cupada 2018

This wine has a zesty lemon nose with tropical fruits and toast. On the palate it’s lively and elegant with plenty of acidity, minerals, salinity, and a citrusy finish.

11) Destello Cava Reserva Brut N.V.

Not as well known as the others on the list, but a very good valued one. It has a wonderful aromas of ripe apples, pears, citrus zest, and brioche. On the palate, it’s dry yet creamy with plenty of peach flavors. Along with a bright acidity that cuts through the taste of sweetness on the finish.

12) Bohigas Reserva Cava Brut N.V.

Another well-known Cava in the US, this wine has a nose of ripe apples, pears, citrus, honey and toasty notes. Just another well-balanced, excellent wine that has plenty of crisp acidity and a nice clean long finish.

Learn More

A Guide to Rose Champagne for Every Occasion
A Guide to Champagne: Best Under $100
A Guide to Sweet Champagne
Prosecco vs Champagne
A Guide to Chardonnay: 25 Best
A Guide to Sparkling Rose Wines: From Affordable to Expensive
A Guide to Spanish White Wines
A Guide to Spanish Red Wines
A Guide to Tempranillo

Our Guide to Cava Sparkling Wines: Our Top 12 Best Cava

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