Your Go-To Guide to Cava

While many people reach for sparkling wine to celebrate the holiday season, it’s actually a refreshing, versatile drink that can be enjoyed year round. Did you know that there are all different kinds of Cava? Before you head to the store to stock up, check out our guide below. With a few simple tips, you’ll be on your way to choosing the perfect sparkling wine for you and your guests. Once you’ve found the right bottle you’ll definitely be making a resolution to sip this seasonless drink from winter to fall.

Know the Process

First things first, let’s talk about where those delightful bubbles come from. All Cavas are produced in Spain using the same process as champagne, or méthode champenoise. In short, this is a second fermentation process that happens in the bottle where sugar and yeast are added to the still wine and then corked – trapping the effervescence.

Consider Age

All Cava is aged to a minimum of nine months. From there, there’s a Cava Reserva, which matures at least 15 months, and finally a Cava Gran Reserva - a minimum 30-month aged variety. In general, the longer sparkling wine is aged the more powerful the flavors.

Decipher Labels

You’ve made it to the sparkling wine aisle and now you’re staring at a bunch of labels: Brut, Extra Dry, Sweet… What does it all mean? These categories have to do with the dossage, or sugar that is added to sparkling wine after the aging process. The driest style is Brut. From there, the more sugar you add, the sweeter it will be. Follow this easy list below:

• Brut or Brut Rosé: up to 15g of sugar per liter
• Extra Dry: 15 - 20g of sugar per liter
• Dry: 20 - 35g of sugar per liter
• Demisec: 35 - 50g of sugar per liter
• Sweet: More than 50g of sugar per liter 

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

Cava is so much more than an appetizer or dessert drink. It can be a wonderful palate cleanser for heavy holiday foods and lightens up the richness of some of your favorite desserts. From fresh seafood to juicy red meat, Cava provides the perfect balance. Even spicy foods have met their match when washed down with cooling Cava.

Try a bottle from Segura Viudas based on your favorite flavors

While you’re at it, don’t forget to give the gift of Cava this holiday season too!

Brut – Fruit, freshness and complexity
Rosé – Refreshing, balanced, smooth – a true rosé
Gran Cuvée Reserva – Blended to perfection with notes of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Reserva Heredad – Over two years in the bottle give this Cava an aged, elegant taste
Extra Dry – A little less dry for those who enjoy the sweeter things

Need an extra dose of holiday spirit? Watch a modern spin on a holiday classic presented by Segura Viudas here: https://youtu.be/FLT8MpAz_QE

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