7 Cava Flashcards
Where is the Cava region located?
- Cataluna in north-east Spain (Penedes region, Lleida- and Tarragona province)
- Rioja
Since when is the word Cava used?
- 1960s
- a generic term for traditional method sparkling was needed for the eventual membership in the EU
- 1972 Cava become part of the Spanish law
Since when is Cava an EU PDO (protected designation of origin)?
1989
Which are the allowed grape varieties used for Cava?
- Macabeo (white)
- Xarel-Io (white)
- Parellada (white)
- Chardonnay (white)
- Garnache Tinta (black)
- Trepat (black)
- Point Noir (black)
- Monastrell (black)
Which is the main region of Cava production and how much is produced there?
- Penedes region in Cataluna
- 95% of the production
How are the climate conditions in Penedes?
- mainly Mediterranean climate
- bright sunny summers
- mild winters
- moderate rainfall (540mm) spread trough the year
How are the vineyards located in Penedes?
form the coast to higher altitudes (200-300m) in the inland. Some are 700-800m above sea level
How are the soils in Penedes?
- alluvial soils and clay at lower altitude
- stony clay and granite sub-soils at higher altitude
all soils are relatively poor in nutrients and have adequate drainage and water retention
How is the style of a Macabeo-based wine from higher altitude?
the wine has more flavour and higher acidity and the ability to age well in the bottle
Which are the main towns in Penedes?
- San Saturn d’Anoia (location of the main Cava producers)
- Villafranca del Penedes (headquarter of Consejo)
How are the climate conditions in Lleida (Lérida in Spanish)?
- Mediterranean climate at lower levels
- increasing continental influence at higher altitudes
How are the vineyards located in Lleida?
slopes and high plain (100-700m) risen up into the mountains
What made the land into a productive vineyard land?
irrigation systems with water from the Pyrenees
How is the style of Lleida grapes?
- riper fruit flavours from grapes grown at lower altitude
- fresher flavours and higher acidity from grapes grown at higher altitude
How are the climate conditions in Tarragona?
Mediterranean climate
How are the vineyards located in Tarragona?
- mainly on low level
- undulating hills
How is the style of Terragona grapes?
- Macabeo dominated
- simple
- early drinking style
Which grape variety is located in Terragona?
Trepat (used for Cava Rosado)
How are the vineyards located in Rioja?
high altitude (e.g. Rioja Alta at 425m)
How are the vineyards protected in Rioja?
the Cantabrain Mountains protect the vineyards from excessive rainfall coming form the Atlantic
Which are the only grape varieties used for Cava in Rioja?
- Macabeo (locally known as Viura)
- Chardonnay
How are the grape varieties spread by percentage?
- Macabeo (36%)
- Xarel-Io (25%)
- Parallada (20%)
- Chardonnay (9%)
How are the aromas of Macabeo?
light intensity apple and lemon
Which other grape variety is often used together with Macabeo for blends?
Chardonnay