When we think of sparkling wine, Champagne often steals the spotlight, but there’s another sparkling star you should have on your radar – Cava! This Spanish bubbly is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with tradition, variety, and a fun story behind its production. So, if you love a good glass of bubbles, get ready to learn all about Cava and why it deserves a permanent spot in your wine rotation.

A Sparkling Spanish Tradition

Cava is Spain's answer to sparkling wine, and it’s crafted using the traditional method, just like Champagne. But what makes Cava truly unique is its Spanish roots. The majority of Cava comes from the Penedès region in Catalonia, where the Mediterranean climate and rich soils are perfect for growing the native grapes used in its production – Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada.

The first bottle of Cava was produced in 1872 by Josep Raventós, a Spanish winemaker who wanted to create a sparkling wine in the same style as the French Champagne he admired. Over 150 years later, Spain is producing over 240 million bottles of Cava every year, making it one of the most popular sparkling wines in the world!