The Art of Cava Tasting
Unveil the secrets behind the artful craft of Cava tasting, and delight in the harmonious marriage between bubbles, aromas, and taste sensations.
Cava, that sparkling and festive wine that bubbles in the glass is undoubtedly a drink appreciated for its elegance and joy. However, the true enjoyment of cava goes beyond simply drinking it; It lies in appreciating its nuances, aromas and flavours through tasting.
Cava tasting is an art, a sensory experience that invites us to explore the diversity of styles and expressions of this wonderful drink.
What is cava tasting?
Cava tasting is a ritual that involves all the senses, from sight and smell to taste and touch. It is a meticulous process that allows us to appreciate and evaluate the characteristics of cava, from its effervescence and colour to its aromatic complexity and flavour.
Through tasting, we can discover the unique essence of each bottle and understand its history, its terroir and the skill of the master craftsmen who created it.
Understanding cava styles: Brut, Extra Brut, Sec and more
Several Cava styles vary depending on ageing, grape varieties used, and production methods.
Brut Nature
This is the driest style of Cava, with little to no added sugar (dosage). It offers a crisp and bone-dry taste, allowing the pure expression of the grapes and the influence of the terroir to shine through. Brut Nature is perfect for those who prefer a clean and refreshing profile with vibrant acidity.
Brut
The most common style of Cava, Brut, strikes a balance between dryness and a touch of sweetness. It typically has a dosage of up to 12 grams per litre, lending a hint of sweetness to counterbalance the acidity. Brut Cava is known for its versatility, making it suitable for various occasions and food pairings.
Extra Brut
As the name suggests, Extra Brut Cava is even drier than Brut, with a dosage of 0-6 grams per litre. It showcases a crisp and zesty character with minimal residual sugar. Extra Brut is an excellent choice for those who prefer a bone-dry and refreshing style of Cava.
Seco
Seco translates to "dry" in Spanish, but in the context of Cava, it denotes a slightly sweeter style. With a dosage ranging from 12-17 grams per litre, Seco Cava offers a touch of sweetness that adds roundness and richness to the wine. It appeals to those who enjoy a more approachable and fruit-forward profile.
Semi-Seco
Semi-Seco, meaning "semi-dry," is a style of Cava with a dosage between 17-32 grams per litre. It carries a noticeable sweetness that enhances the fruity flavours and provides a luscious mouthfeel. Semi-Seco Cava is favoured by those who prefer a softer and more indulgent taste.
Dulce
Dulce, meaning "sweet" in Spanish, represents the sweetest style of Cava. With a dosage of over 32 grams per litre, Dulce Cava delivers a pronounced sweetness that can range from off-dry to dessert wine-level sweetness. It is a delightful choice for those with a sweet tooth or as an accompaniment to desserts.
The importance of serving temperature
The cava tasting would not be complete without paying attention to the serving temperature. Temperature significantly influences the perception of cava's flavours and aromas, so it is essential to serve it in the right range.
In general, drier and younger cavas are best enjoyed at lower temperatures, between 6°C and 8°C, which highlights their freshness and liveliness. On the other hand, the sweetest and aged cavas are served slightly warmer, between 8°C and 10°C, to enhance their richness and complexity.
The choice of serving temperature plays a fundamental role in the full appreciation of the nuances and characteristics of each style of cava.
Ideal Pairings with cava
Cava gracefully complements an extensive array of pairings. With its delightful acidity and effervescence, it becomes the perfect companion for an array of dishes and occasions. Here are some enticing pairing suggestions:
- Cava Brut Nature or Brut Nature Reserva: Ideal for pairing with oysters, caviar, sushi, Iberian ham and other savoury appetizers.
- Cava Extra Brut: Perfect with fish and seafood dishes, such as ceviche, grilled fish and scallops.
- Cava Brut: Versatile and suitable for pairing with poultry dishes, pasta, rice dishes, soft cheeses and cold meats.
- Cava Extra Dry: An ideal choice for sushi, creamy rice dishes and desserts that are not too sweet.
- Cava Seco: Pairs well with chicken dishes, seafood and desserts with citrus flavours.
- Semi-Dry Cava: Pairs perfectly with appetizers, fruit desserts and spicy dishes.
- Cava Dulce or Sweet: An excellent accompaniment to desserts and blue cheeses.
It is important to know that everyone's taste sensations are unique, so there are no rigid rules when combining cava. The main thing is to experiment and find out which combinations give us the most pleasure.
Conclusion
Cava tasting is a fascinating experience that allows us to immerse ourselves in the world of bubbles and effervescent flavours. Understanding the different styles of cava, serving temperature and ideal pairings allows us to fully appreciate the diversity and versatility of this wonderful drink.
Whether to celebrate special occasions or to enjoy everyday moments, cava always adds a spark of joy to our lives. Let's toast to life, to friendship and to the pleasure of enjoying a good cava. Cheers!
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