When we have a bottle in our hands it is important to know how to read the label, whether they are Red Wines, Sparkling, Sweet, Fortified or Spirits.
Today we would like to comment on Cava, a product that we do not know how evaluate well enough, considering it is very popular and within easy reach.
Sometimes we do not pay enough attention to the label or, may be, we do not know how to interpret it. That is why it is important to know how to read it because it gives us the chance to understand and get to know the product in our hands. The label is part of the garment, together with the cork and the capsule and it should mention some characteristics that guarantee its origin and legitimacy and, therefore, it helps understanding the product, its quality and value.
On the label, the following information should appear:
- D.O. Cava, refers to its the specific Designation of Origin.
- Type of Product: indicates the type of Cava at hand, according its the content of sugar (Brut Nature, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Seco, Seco, Semi Seco y Dulce).
- Alcohol content expressed in % Volume.
- Address: Municipality where the producer is located.
- Origin: country of origin.
- Company name and business address.
- Bottle size expressed in litters, centilitres or millilitres.
- Mark registered at the Property Registration Office.
- Ageing period: Young, Reserva, Gran Reserva or Cava Rosé.
- Particular characteristics: home-grown, vintage, rosé, etc.
The back label will also provide information on the grape varieties used, date of disgorgement, tasting notes and any other suggestion that the wine maker may consider appropriate or informative.
The optimum serving temperature ranges from 5 to 8 ºC being the younger, lighter Cavas the ones to be served the coldest.
Cavas are very versatile wines with lots of possibilities when it comes to pairing, their wide variety guarantees there is always a dish that combines perfectly.
A Brut Cava will accompany any aperitif, canapés, oysters, ham, cheese or fruit.
For rice, fish, seafood and generally for starters, we will choose a Brut or Brut Reserva, fruity, with a touch of freshness and acidity.
We would pair meats, stews and dishes with a Brut Nature Gran Reserva, with more body, structure, complexity and depth.
For desserts, a Semi dry or Sweet Cava is the best choice.
However, it is safe to say that, due to its characteristics, the Cava always goes down well specially now, when good company and a nice cold drink is synonymous with summer, relax, friends, Sun, beach, vacation, …
Salud y Cava!
Image property: Thomas Heylen
