Don’t want to splurge on Champagne? Buy Cava
Monroe BaisdenPublished: June 8, 2008
With Champagne prices continuously reaching for the stars, there is a great, quality alternative in Cava, the sparkling wine from Spain. While non-vintage Champagne is easily $35 plus, Cavas may be found for under $10. As is the case with many wines, the low price of Cava is not indicative of the quality.
The wine itself was created in 1872 by a man named Josep Raventós in Penedés where phylloxera had wiped out most of the vines. Those were replaced by large numbers of vines producing white grapes which, after seeing the success of the Champagne region, Raventós decided to create a sparkling wine which has become a major reason for the area’s continued success. At one time the sparkling wine was referred to as Spanish Champagne, but this is no longer permitted under EU law, or colloquially as champaña or xampany.
Cava is produced in varying levels of dryness – brut nature, brut (extra dry), Seco (dry), semiseco, dulce (sweet). The wine, under Spanish law, may be produced in six regions and must be made according to the Traditional Method where secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle.
The primary grapes used in its production are Parellada, Xarello, and Macabeo, although others are allowed. Parellada produces light, fruity, good quality still wines as well as being used in the production of Cava. The wines, with floral bouquets, should be consumed young as they don’t age well on their own. The Xarello grape is considered a medium to low-quality grape, used primarily to add body to the wine. Macabeo is the most widely planted white grape variety in northern Spain and the most important white grape in the Rioja region where it is known as Viura. Macabeo generally produces wines that are light, high in acidity, slightly floral and fairly fruity.
The really exciting thing about Cava is its price. While some higher-end wines may have price tags in the $20-plus range, many are priced well below that. One of my favorites is Don Conde, about $10, and another is Cristalino which can be found for as low as $8. Cavas are great to use in Mimosas, the refreshing summer drink blending the sparkling wine with orange juice. To me, it makes no sense to use a $45 Champagne. Also Cava, Champagne and other sparkling wines are great with food, not just for celebratory toasting. Try it with seafood, pasta salads and other light summer dishes. Simply celebrate the day with a Cava. That’s reason enough for me to pop a cork. Monroe Baisden is the owner of Chateau du Reaux, a wine shop on East Davis Street. E-mail him atchateaudureaux@adelphia.net
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