Cava Looks to Rival Champagne with new Classification

Cava, mainly produced in Catalonia and using the same traditional method as Champagne, is exported to 130 countries, producing nearly 250 million bottles a year.

The new premium bottles sell for up to £86 under the ‘Cava de Paraje Calificado’ classification, meaning single-vineyard Cava.

These will be the very best of what the region has to offer, which winemakers are hoping will rival high-end Champagne by appealing to cosmopolitan drinkers.

To qualify for this classification, the Cava must follow strict rules such as being produced on the estate, using vines at least 10 years old and spending at least 3 years ageing in the bottle, as well as meeting climate and soil standards.

While Spain’s agriculture ministry has yet to sign it off, it’s expected the first premium Cava bottles will appear in shops fairly soon.