Is Cava and Prosecco the same thing?

Answered by Robert Golston

Cava and Prosecco are not the same thing. While both are wines, they have distinct differences in terms of their origin, production methods, and flavor profiles.

1. Origin:
– Cava: Cava is a sparkling that originates from the Catalonia region in Spain. It is primarily produced in the Penedès area near Barcelona, although it can also be made in other Spanish regions such as Rioja, Navarra, and Valencia.
– Prosecco: Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine that comes from the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions in northeastern Italy. It is mainly produced in the provinces of Veneto and Treviso.

2. Grape Varieties:
– Cava: The traditional grape varieties used in Cava production include Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo. These grapes contribute to the crisp and fruity character of Cava.
– Prosecco: The primary grape variety used in Prosecco production is Glera, although small amounts of other local grape varieties may be included. Glera imparts floral and fruity notes to Prosecco.

3. Winemaking Process:
– Cava: By law, Cava must be produced using the traditional method, also known as the method or méthode champenoise. This involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle, where and sugar are added to create carbonation. The wine is then aged on its lees for a minimum of nine months to develop complexity and flavors.
– Prosecco: Prosecco is typically produced using the tank method, also called the Charmat method. In this process, the secondary fermentation takes place in large pressurized tanks instead of individual bottles. This method is faster and more cost-effective, resulting in fresher and fruitier flavors in Prosecco.

4. Flavor Profile:
– Cava: Cava tends to have a drier and more complex flavor profile compared to Prosecco. It often exhibits citrus, apple, and almond notes, with a creamy texture and fine bubbles. Cava can range from bone-dry to slightly sweet, depending on the dosage (added sugar) level.
– Prosecco: Prosecco is generally known for its fresh and fruity character. It displays aromas of white flowers, peach, pear, and green apple. Prosecco is typically light-bodied, with a slightly sweeter taste profile due to residual sugar.

While both Cava and Prosecco are sparkling wines, they have distinct geographical origins, production methods, and flavor profiles. Cava is produced in Spain using the traditional method, offering a drier and more complex taste. On the other hand, Prosecco comes from Italy and is made using the tank method, resulting in a fresher and fruitier flavor profile.