Whether it’s a refreshing glass of Cava or a fruity blend of sangria, there are so many ways to experience wine. You’ll probably drink a lot of wine when visiting Spain and even take the option to visit a winery or two. But do you know the history behind Spain’s wine and exactly what it is?
What is Cava?
Cava is a sparkling wine mostly produced in the Northern region of Catalonia. In the early 19th century, the steps taken to manufacture sparkling wine in Spain were the same as that of Champagne. This was the first step toward realizing the preparation of these wines is not only about the fermentation time but also about the regions and land that differentiates all these sparkling wines.
Even though the original Cavas were produced only in Catalonia, specifically in Sadurní de Noya, Cava can come from many other parts of Spain. The word cava means cave or cellar in both Spanish and Catalan. This is because caves were used in the early stages of producing Cava to store and preserve during aging periods.
Let's talk about Cava
Most Cava production remains in the small town of Sadurní de Noya. However, nearby areas also produce wine with similar climates. Most Cava vineyards are measured between 650-985 feet long, with a few reaching 2,625 feet!
There are a few grape varieties when it comes to Cava. Macabeu has a more floral aroma with a more acidic, lemon flavor, making up about half of the Cava blend. The Xarel-lo grapes have a stronger floral aroma with more of a fruity flavor. Even though Macabeu is more common, higher-quality bottles are mostly made up of Xarel-lo.
The sweetness levels are classified into seven categories from less sweet to most sweet: Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Seco, Seco, Semi-Seco and Dulce.
When visitors ask to try some Cava, I always ask for their taste preference to always choose the perfect type of blend,” said Raul, a waiter at a local bar in Barcelona.
The difference between Cava and other sparkling wines is the method of carbonization. Some sparkling wines use carbon dioxide under pressure whereas Cava is naturally fermented. This two-step process starts with the grapes being pressed into a bottle with sugar and yeast. Then, it is stored for a minimum of nine months all the way up to four years.
It can also be classified based on the time spent aging. Joven is from nine to 15 months, Reserva is from 15 to 30 months and Gran Reserva is more than 30 months.
Cava Cocktails
The main reason Cava is best when mixing with cocktails is because of its compatibility with certain flavors. The quality, texture and structure are what makeup Cava and Cava in a cocktail.
Sometimes, certain cocktails will also come with a smaller glass of just cava. This can be drunk during or after the cocktail and is used to help the flavors in the cocktail.
The Alta Alella Winery
If you have time to visit a winery when in Barcelona, the Alta Alella Winery is a great option. Just a few miles from Barcelona, near the Serralada de Marina Natural Park and just steps from the Mediterranean Sea, you will be transported you to a beautiful area filled with an amazing staff that loves sharing their knowledge of the wine with guests.
Established in 1991, Josep Maria and Cristina live to share the wine and cava culture. Their daughters grew up by vineyards and grapes, passing on that passion and knowledge that soon became their life.
“I love my job and the wine, of course,” said Frances, the tour guide who works at the winery. He then said, “I enjoy informing others on how our winery is near the sea, making it different than other wineries and making it a spot people should really come to see for themselves.”
This winery offers a few different options when wanting to book a tour to visit. You can book the Tour and Tasting option which consists of a walkthrough of the vineyard, where you will then see the wine cellar and aging area and finish by tasting four wines and cavas. They also offer the same package but with Iberian ham or cheese pairing as well.
Even though this winery also produces red and white wines, sparkling wines are the main focus of the spirit of Alta Alella. With the careful selection of only the finest grapes, the color and the fermentation, these efforts are put in place to achieve the best quality while still using the traditional method. Alta Alella has been honored with the highest category of the Cava sector, Paraje Calificado.
Overall, a winery is a must-see when visiting Spain and Cava is a must-try when wanting to taste a new, refreshing twist to your regular wine. If bubbles aren't your thing, no problem. The winery has many red and white wines to offer, so there is something for everyone.
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