Cava Flashcards
Where is the principle area for traditional method sparkling wine made in Spain?
In or near to Barcelona in the Penedes region of Cataluna in north-east Spain
Who were the early pioneers of cava?
The Ferrer and Raventos families. Descendants now operate Freixenet and Codorniu
In what year did Cava become a PDO?
1989
What is unusual about Cava PDO?
Grapes can be sourced from a number of different unconnected areas
What is the name of the Cava regulatory body?
Consejo Regulador del Cava
What are the three local Cava varieties?
Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada
Which are the three most important cava production areas?
Penedes
Lleida
Tarragona
What is the climate and growing condition in the Penedes region?
Mediterranean
Bright sunny summers, mild winters and moderate rainfall
200-300 metres of altitude with a few up to 800 - higher altitude has colder nights which gives higher acidity
What are the main soil types in Penedes?
Alluvial, some clay and granite sub soils
Poor in nutrients with adequate drainage and water retention
What is the climate and growing conditions in Lleida?
Mediterranean with more continental influence at higher altitude
Irrigated former semi desert - irrigation also useful for mitigating spring frost damage
Which important estate is located in Lleida?
Raimat - 2200 hectares owned by Codorniu family
What is the climate in Tarragona?
Mediterranean
Low lying undulating hills
Which region of Tarragona is home to the Trepat grape?
Conca de Barbera
Which other area of Spain is important for Cava and why?
Rioja
High altitude and protected from excessive Atlantic rainfall by the Cantabrian mountains
Only Macabeo and Chardonnay grown here
Cooler climate so later ripening
What percentage of the vineyard is Macabeo?
36%
What are the main characteristics of Macabeo?
Late budding, earliest ripening, high yielding
Susceptible to botrytis and bacterial blight
Light intensity apple and lemon aromas
AKA Viura