Cava producers must push diversity, says body president

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 12 May, 2014

Cava producers must push diversity, says the president of the sparkling wine body, as the industry prepares to launch a new premium classification.

Pere Bonet, president of the DOP del Cava, says producers must emphasise their range and diversity in overseas markets. He announced the creation of a new single estate classification last week, which should encourage consumers to trade up.

Bonet said: "Cava is the only sparkling wine in the world with so much diversity to offer consumers, both in terms of price and style. From entry level no- vintage cavas right through to the top end, limited production gran reservas, we believe that cava is unique in its range and variety of styles."

The Cava del Paraje Calificado or Qualified Single Estate cava classification will be open to producers making wines from single vineyard estates within their property and is likely to become legal by autumn 2014.

Bonet said: "This new classification gives cava producers the opportunity to gain recognition for those wines which are produced from a specific site or single estate within their vineyard. We have received considerable interest from our producers about this initiative, and whilst it is a little too early to say how many cava houses will participate we anticipate that there will a number wanting to use the classification for their wines.

"The exact parameters that will enable eligible producers to use the classification are yet to be decided but the yield and ageing restrictions will be in line with, or most probably higher than those used for Gran Reserva cavas. This move is part of our overall strategy to communicate the amazing diversity of styles and qualities to be found within the COP cava and we hope that by creating this new classification we are helping producers to highlight this diversity and further promote the premium image of cava in all markets."

Printer friendly version