4 CATALAN CAVAS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
This post is a contribution from our good friend Zoltan Csaba Nagy, a Transylvanian sommelier, writer, journalist, and food guide at Food Lover Tour, who has been living in Barcelona since 2010.
For many, cava is the quintessential summer drink. The subtle tingling sensation it creates in the nose is the perfect prelude to a pleasant evening with couples, friends, or family.
In Spain, cava is typically enjoyed at the beach, at a rural property, or on a cool terrace—either to conclude a meal or as an appetizer paired with oysters or other traditional Spanish tapas such as ham, cheese, olives, or fuet (a classic Catalan pork cold cut).
Let’s explore four outstanding types of Catalan cava from diverse wineries. Each features different production styles, offering unique tasting experiences.
Cavas Gramona: Enoteca Gramona 2001 Vintage
Described as “a validation of high-flying cava, a real demonstration of excellence, complexity, and finesse,” Enoteca Gramona 2001 received an exceptional score of 99 points—an accolade achieved by only five wines in the 27-year history of the Guía Peñín, which has never awarded a perfect 100. It is regarded as the best sparkling wine in the guide’s history.
The Guía Peñín praises this cava as “the culmination of a process that began many years ago at the Gramona winery, demonstrating that this Catalan house’s decision to adopt long aging would ultimately yield unprecedented results.”
Castellroig JOSEP COCA Xarel·lo 100% Reserva Familiar
This cava is rooted in the character of its terroirs—Boja, Calma, Torró, and Rigolet—featuring slightly evolved, moderately deep soils that give the grapes extraordinary ripeness. The result is a rigorous, well-defined maturity with balanced acidity and floral, long-lasting notes.
It features a very fine bubble, an intense and complex aroma of ripe white fruit, with toasted hints and dried fruit. On the palate, it is full-bodied with outstanding structure and roundness. A wine that makes you fall in love—perfect for a special night.
Recaredo Brut de Brut 2007
Recaredo Brut de Brut is a completely dry brut nature cava with no added sugar. It’s made from 51% Xarel·lo and 49% Macabeu, using organic agriculture. No chemical herbicides or insecticides are used—only natural, organic fertilizers. The grapes are harvested entirely by hand to preserve their quality for long aging.
It is recommended to serve Brut de Brut at around 10°C, opening the bottle a few minutes before serving.
Llopart Rosé – Microcosmos
An ample and sophisticated rosé, Microcosmos reflects the unique geological location and microclimate of the Can Llopart estate. Made from 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Monastrell, it has a vibrant pink-redcurrant hue with subtle brick undertones.
The aroma is complex, featuring wild red fruits blended with toasty notes from its extended bottle fermentation. On the palate, it offers harmonious, elegant flavors with perfect effervescence and a long, creamy aftertaste.
CHEERS!
About Zoltan
Tattooed and multifaceted, Zoltan hopes to one day see a tattooed president. He’s a fan of the only football team in history to win the treble twice. Born in Transylvania (near the Carpathians) the same year the Berlin Wall came down, he grew up in a family of five brothers.
Gifted with languages, he speaks and writes in five, and is currently learning Chinese. Known as “a restless lad with tons of energy,” Zoltan was adopted by Barcelona in 2010. He is passionate about wine and dedicates himself to the field as a columnist for various publications worldwide. He’s also currently working on a book.
You can find Zoltan on Twitter and Instagram.