With International Cava day on 12th July, I once again wonder why no-one reaches for a glass of this sparkling wine more often.
If you love a good glass of bubbles, it might be time to swap your usual Prosecco for something a little more… sparkling with substance. Hello Cava — Spain’s delicious, underrated answer to Champagne.
So what actually is Cava?
Cava is Spain’s traditional method sparkling wine (like NZ's methode traditionelle). It is mostly made in the sunny region of Catalonia, near Barcelona and made with native Spanish grapes like Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. Cava can also include Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but the locals know — it’s those native varieties that bring the magic.
So just like Prosecco then?
Not quite. Here’s the key difference:
- Cava is made using the traditional method (ie the exact same way as Champagne is made), where the second fermentation happens inside the bottle. This adds more complexity, more creaminess and those lovely fine little bubbles. Cava is also aged on the lees (dead yeast cells), which gives it that toasty, biscuity note. By law, Cava must be aged for a minimum of 9 months.
- Prosecco, on the other hand, is made using the tank method — it’s fermented a second time in a large steel tank, which makes it faster and cheaper to produce. The result? Prosecco tends to be fruitier, simpler, and a bit more one-note.
Why Cava wins (especially in winter)
- Better bubbles: Cava’s bubbles are finer, longer-lasting and feel more elegant in the glass.
- More flavour: Thanks to aging and traditional methods, Cava offers more depth — think lemon peel, toasted almond, even a little brioche.
- Dry styles: Cava tends to be drier than Prosecco, making it food-friendly. It’s amazing with tapas, seafood, or just as an aperitif with olives and almonds.
- Seriously good value: You can often get a beautifully made bottle of Cava — aged for 12 months or more — for the same price as a supermarket Prosecco.
The verdict?
Cava is what happens when you want the finesse of Champagne without the price tag — and way more personality than your average Prosecco.
We often have Cava on the glass pour list but it usually gets overlooked in favour of Prosecco. So when you are next in, opt for a Cava - your taste buds (and your wine cred) with thank you!
And for even more incentive.....to celebrate International Cava Day, we will be offering a free tapa with every glass of Cava!