Tastes likelemon, quince, almond, toast, chalk
Alcohol11.5-12%
Serve at43-48°F (6-9°C)
GlassTulip or white wine glass
Decant?No
What to payFrom $10
Cava is made the same way as Champagne (second fermentation in the bottle) but mainly from Spanish grapes (Macabeo, Xarel·lo, Parellada) and at a fraction of the price.
Best food with Cava
PoultryFried chicken
Champagne · Cava · Grüner Veltliner
CheeseCharcuterie
Gamay (Beaujolais) · Prosecco · Rosé
SeafoodShrimp
Albariño · Sauvignon Blanc · Rosé
SnacksPopcorn (movie night)
Champagne · Chardonnay · Gamay (Beaujolais)
How it tastes
Lemon, quince and almond with a light toastiness and chalky finish. Reserva and Gran Reserva age longer and get more savory.
Food it loves
Tapas, jamón, fried snacks, seafood and tacos. It’s the best-value sparkling wine for parties.
Buying tips
Look for Brut or Brut Nature. Some top growers now label under Corpinnat or Clàssic Penedès.
Where it’s grown
Penedès, Catalonia (Spain)
Tasted Cava?
Reader tasting notes
Tasted Cava? What did you notice, and what did you drink it with? The first good one goes right here.
Add a tasting note
Drinking a Cava right now?Score it on our 100-point card and keep a private wine journal.
Rate it
