Cava DO approves "momentous" shake up of classification system

The Cava DO has approved a proposal to shake up the existing classification system, which will result in a clearer definition between different styles of the Spanish sparkling wine.  

The "momentous" overhaul of the system  is also aimed at increasing awareness of Cava’s various wine growing regions, to provide consumers with assurances of quality and to enable them to better navigate the Cava category.  

President of the DO Javier Pagés, explained that there is “a consensus and unity in the sector” towards promoting a series of measures that protects vineyards, sustainability and optimal production times, which have come about after extensive technical studies.  

The D.O.’s decision has received the full backing of representatives from both viticultural and wine production sectors of Spain’s most important sparkling wine sector, which Pages described as “a great achievement”.  

The two Cava trade bodies, the DO Cava and the Institut del Cava both welcomed the move. The president of the Institut del Cava, Damià Deàs said that “the sector’s unity has made it possible to take a new great step, which will be historic”. He added that the agreement “gives the sector confidence and peace of mind”.   The president of PimeCava, Pere Guilera, pointed out that the new plan is “a good strategic decision for the future”.

However, exact details remain unclear, with a DO press release stating: “The final stage of this strategic roadmap will be detailed once the definitive specifications have been approved which will include the DO’s commitment to high quality, better differentiation between the different cava styles and establish a system of territorial classification."