Celebrate International Cava Day: 15 Award-Winning Cavas You Must Try!

Since the late 19th century, Spain has been crafting traditional method sparkling wines, with Cava standing out alongside renowned counterparts like Champagne and Franciacorta. Unique to Cava is its use of indigenous varieties—particularly Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada—although some international grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir feature as well.

Cava is categorized into three main styles based on aging duration. Regular Cava must undergo at least nine months of maturation on its lees, imparting subtle bready flavors along with light citrus and herbal notes. Cava Reserva has a minimum of 15 months of aging, revealing more pronounced biscuit flavors. The highest tier, Cava Gran Reserva, requires a minimum of 30 months on the lees, showcasing complex smokiness and toastiness, often competing with top-tier sparkling wines in terms of quality and price. Additionally, estate-bottled wines may earn the Cava de Paraje Calificado designation, requiring 36 months of aging to showcase even deeper flavor integration.

Cava’s rising reputation is exemplified in the recent Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2026, where it was awarded eight Golds, including a Top Value Gold, as well as multiple silver and bronze accolades. To mark International Cava Day on July 12, here are 15 exceptional award-winning Cava selections to consider:

1. Asda, Exceptional Mas Miralda Brut 2023 – Value Gold, 95 points: Aromatic with lemon peel and fresh herb notes. Alcohol: 12%

2. Bardinet Wines, Palau Gazo Brut NV – Gold, 95 points: Light and frothy, showing lemon and wet stone. Alcohol: 11.5%

3. Cavas Hill, Panot Gaudí Brut, Reserva 2020 – Value Gold, 95 points: Offers chamomile aroma, yellow fruit, and saline twist. Alcohol: 11.5%

4. Conde de Caralt, Brut Nature, Guarda 2024 – Gold, 95 points: Features green apple and toasted brioche. Alcohol: 11.5%

5. Dominio De La Vega, Cerro Tocón, Reserva 2018 – Gold, 95 points: Discreet strawberry and rose notes merging with creamy texture. Alcohol: 12%

6. Guilera, Centenari Brut Nature, Gran Reserva 2005 – Gold, 95 points: Rich with peach and tropical fruit flavors. Alcohol: 12%

7. Jaume Serra, Reserva Brut Nature 2022 – Value Gold, 95 points: Presents dried petal and nut aromas. Alcohol: 11.5%

8. Vallformosa, 150 Brut, Gran Reserva 2020 – Gold, 95 points: Floral with gooseberry fruit and a fabulous finish. Alcohol: 12%

9. Maria Rigol Ordi, Maria Brut Nature, Gran Reserva 2017 – Silver, 94 points: Aromas of fennel and brioche. Alcohol: 11.5%

10. Rabetllat I Vidal, Brut Nature, Gran Reserva, Cava 2021 – Silver, 94 points: Earthy character with elegant palate. Alcohol: 12%

11. Art Laietà, Alto Alella 10 Pujol-Busquets Guillén Brut Nature, Gran Reserva 2014 – Silver, 93 points: Butterscotch and orange notes. Alcohol: 12%

12. Família Ferrer, Can Sala Brut Nature, Paraje Calificado 2013 – Silver, 93 points: Developing caramel and butterscotch notes. Alcohol: 12.5%

13. Marevia, Chardonnay-Pinot Noir Brut, Reserva 2020 – Silver, 93 points: Light brioche and citrus notes. Alcohol: 11.5%

14. Pere Ventura, Clos La Secreta Paraje Calificado Can Bas, Gran Reserva 2017 – Silver, 93 points: Peaches and apricots with crisp acidity. Alcohol: 12%

15. Sumarroca, Ecològica Brut Nature, Gran Reserva 2019 – Silver, 93 points: Perfumed with lemon and peach. Alcohol: 12%

Cava’s commitment to quality, alongside its variety of styles and flavors, makes it an increasingly popular choice for sparkling wine enthusiasts.