Cava

Question 1

When was the term Cava first introduced and why

Answer 1

1960s as Spain prepared for entry into the EU, they needed a generic name for sparkling wine made in Spain

Question 2

Does Cava recognise an area or a production style?

Answer 2

production style. It can be made all over Spain, although that’s not how it was originally conceived. In 1986 it was originally linked to a specific region but that was revised in 1989 when it was given a PDO.

Question 3

What grapes are traditionally used in Cava production

Answer 3

MAcabeo, Xarel’lo and Paralleda. Increasingly Chardonnay.

Question 4

Where are the majority of grapes grown and cava produced?

Answer 4

Penedes - 95%.

Question 5

Name three key locations for Cava production

Answer 5

Penedes, Lleida (Lerida) and Tarragona

Question 6

Describe the climate of penedes

Answer 6

Mediterrenean. Sunny warm summers, cool (but not cold) winters, coastal. Vines grow at altitudes of around 200-300m, but also a small portion grow higher (700-800m)

Question 7

What types of soil might you get in Penedes

Answer 7

alluvial soils lower down and gravel with granite sub soil higher up. All low in nutrients.

Question 8

Which of the three main local varieties would be good for bottle ageing?

Answer 8

Macaeo from higher altitudes - good acidity.

Question 9

How does the climate in Lerida (Lleida) differ from Penedes

Answer 9

It’s a combination of hills and a plateau, going up to 700m. In the valleys it is Mediterranean climate but on the plateau it is more continental. It would be a desert if not for the irrigation system in place which makes it suitable for growing grapes.