Cava Vs Prosecco
Cava and prosecco may look like the same bubbly drink at a glance. However, this is different! With deep roots in Spain and Italy, respectively, there are quite a few differences between the two drinks that you should be aware of before popping open either bottle.
In this blog post, we will compare Cava Vs Prosecco – from their origins to the production process – so you can get to know each unique wine better!
What Is Cava?
Cava is a sparkling wine made from grapes grown in Spain. It is produced in various styles, from dry to sweet, and can be light or full-bodied. Cava has a distinct flavor profile that includes citrus, honey, green apples, toast and nuttiness notes.
The production process for cava is similar to that used for Champagne, where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle and is aged for at least nine months.
Cava can be a great addition to any occasion or celebration. Enjoyed with food or on its own, it has a wide range of flavor profiles, making it an enjoyable and adaptable sparkling wine. Whether you are looking for something light and dry, full-bodied and sweet, or somewhere in between, cava can provide a delicious sparkling experience.
What Is Prosecco?
Prosecco is a sparkling white Italian wine made from the Glera grape variety. It’s named after the village of Prosecco in the Veneto region of northeast Italy, where it has been produced for centuries. There are two types of Prosecco: Spumante and Frizzante. Spumante is a fully sparkling Prosecco, while Frizzante is lightly sparkling.
The flavor of Prosecco is light and fresh with notes of citrus, melon, apple, pear and sometimes a hint of almond. It pairs well with appetizers like cured meats and cheese and lighter dishes like salads and seafood. Prosecco can also be used in cocktails and is becoming a popular choice for lighter drinks.
Prosecco has been known to Italians for centuries but was only widely known in the last few decades. It’s now sold worldwide and is gaining popularity in many countries. Prosecco can be enjoyed chilled on its own, as part of a cocktail recipe, or paired with food. Prosecco is also a great alternative to Champagne for celebrations.
Cava Vs Prosecco: Where Are These Wines Produced?
When comparing Cava vs Prosecco, the first factor you should know is their origins. They are both Italian sparkling wines, but they are produced in different regions. Cava is produced primarily in the Catalonia region of Spain, while Prosecco is produced mainly in the Veneto region of Italy.
While both wines have a long production history, it’s only within the last few decades that each has become well-known and appreciated for its distinct flavor and character.
Cava Vs Prosecco: Fermentation Process
Cava and Prosecco sparkling wines are both popular Italian bubbly. But they differ in how they’re made—specifically, in their fermentation process.
Cava is a traditional method of sparkling wine, which undergoes a second fermentation inside the bottle. This technique gives Cava its signature flavor and complexity, making it a higher-priced option.
Conversely, Prosecco is made with a faster, less expensive process involving tank fermentation instead of bottle fermentation.
This method yields a lighter and more fruit-forward flavor profile than Cava but also sacrifices some of its complexity in the process. However, Prosecco offers an enjoyable sparkling experience at a lower price point.
Cava Vs Prosecco: Types Of Grapes
The most common difference between Cava and Prosecco is the type of grapes used to produce them. Cava is made from a blend of three local grape varieties: Macabeu, Xarel·lo, and Parellada. These hardy grapes, grown mainly in Catalonia, have an intense flavor but low acidity.
Prosecco, on the other hand, is made from Glera grapes which are softer and more aromatic. Glera grapes are grown mainly in the Veneto region of Italy and are known for having high acidity levels, giving Prosecco its distinctive flavor.
For added complexity, Cava and Prosecco can also contain small amounts of other grape varieties, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Still, the main difference lies in the three main grapes used.
Cava Vs Prosecco: Alcohol Content
When it comes to alcohol content, Cava and Prosecco are quite similar. Both contain between 11% and 12% ABV (alcohol by volume). Despite the similarity in alcohol levels, Cava is generally darker in color due to its higher sugar level than Prosecco.
While both types of sparkling wines have a relatively low alcohol content, they can still pack a punch. So, if you’re looking for something lighter and more refreshing, Prosecco may be the better choice as it is slightly lower in alcohol than Cava.
However, if you prefer a bit of depth to your wine, Cava might be a better option due to its higher sugar level. In either case, both are great choices for enjoying a sparkling wine with dinner.
Finally, it’s important to note that alcohol content can vary between different brands of Cava and Prosecco. While most bottles contain around 11% ABV, some may have lower or higher levels.
So, if you are concerned about the alcohol content of your sparkling wine, be sure to check the label before you buy. Whether you choose Cava or Prosecco, both will bring a festive and fun atmosphere to any gathering!
Cava Vs Prosecco: Flavor
When it comes to flavor, the two sparkling wines have some similarities, but overall distinct differences exist.
Cava has a dry and mineral-oriented taste, while Prosecco tends to be more bittersweet and fruity. Cava typically carries citrus, apple, pear, almond and floral notes that create a subtle complexity, whereas Prosecco is characterized by apple, peach, honey and floral aromas.
Depending on the Cava or Prosecco you choose to drink, one may be more intense in flavor than the other. For instance, a brut-style cava will have a drier taste than an extra dry prosecco, which tends to have a sweeter taste.
Ultimately, it’s up to your preference when deciding which sparkling wine you prefer. Cava and Prosecco are delightful drinks with unique flavors, so try them and see which is your favorite!
Cava Vs Prosecco: Bubble Factor
One of the biggest differences when comparing Cava vs Prosecco is their bubble factor. While Prosecco is a sparkling wine, its bubbles are much finer than Cava’s. This is because Prosecco is produced through the Charmat method, which involves carbonating a finished product and bottling it.
As such, the bubbles in Prosecco are much finer and softer than those of Cava, which is produced using the traditional Champagne method of allowing a secondary fermentation in the bottle. This results in larger, less subtle bubbles lasting several minutes after pouring.
Although their bubbles differ in size, Prosecco and Cava can often be used interchangeably in sparkling wine cocktails. From bellinis to mimosas, each can bring something unique to the glass. Alternatively, both are delicious when enjoyed independently and can greatly accompany any meal or celebration.
Cava Vs Prosecco: Aging Process
When it comes to the aging process, Cava and Prosecco differ significantly.
Cava is aged for at least nine months in temperature-controlled cellars. Prosecco undergoes rapid fermentation and is typically enjoyed shortly after bottling or within a few weeks of production. This difference in aging time gives each sparkling wine its distinct character.
Cava is aged longer, giving it a more complex flavor profile and a richer, more structured mouthfeel. On the other hand, Prosecco is typically light and fruity with a bright sparkle. While both sparkling wines can be enjoyed young, the extended aging process of Cava makes it an ideal choice for special occasions or cellaring for future enjoyment.
Ultimately, Cava and Prosecco will provide a delightful experience when enjoyed with food or as an aperitif.
Cava Vs Prosecco: Price And Availability
Cava is generally more affordable and widely available than Prosecco. Cava is often found in many large and small stores, while Prosecco may be less common or only available at specific retailers.
The prices of Spanish Cava range from a few dollars to $20 per bottle. Italian prosecco prices are higher, starting at $15 and going up from there. Both types of sparkling wines can also be found in large format bottles such as magnums and jeroboams.
Availability of cava and prosecco will depend on the market you are in; some areas may have more selection than others. If one type of sparkling wine is unavailable in your area, it’s worth looking for the other as an alternative.
Which Is Better, Cava Or Prosecco?
Now that you know about Cava Vs Prosecco. The answer to this question is subjective and ultimately depends on your preference. Cava and Prosecco are delightful sparkling wines with unique flavor profiles and characteristics.
Cava has a dry, mineral-oriented taste, while Prosecco tends to be more sweet and fruity. Additionally, Cava is aged for at least nine months, while Prosecco is typically enjoyed shortly after bottling.
Regarding price and availability, Cava is generally more affordable and widely available than Prosecco.
Ultimately, both sparkling wines are excellent choices for any occasion, and it may be worthwhile to try each one to determine which you prefer!
FAQs
Which Is Drier, Cava Or Prosecco?
Both cava and prosecco are sparkling wines, but they have some differences. Cava tends to be drier and more acidic than Prosecco, which is usually fruitier and sweeter.
Additionally, Cava often has a stronger and more complex flavor profile than Prosecco. If you’re looking for something with a bit less sweetness and more subtlety, Cava is the way to go.
What Makes Cava Less Expensive Compared To Prosecco?
Cava is traditionally made in the Penedes region of Spain, which always has lower production costs than other parts of Europe. Cava tends to be more affordable due to its lower labor and land costs than Prosecco, which largely comes from Italy. As a result, Cava can offer great value for money.
Additionally, not all sparkling wines are produced using the same methods. Cava typically uses the traditional method, which is slightly more time-consuming and expensive than Prosecco’s tank method. The difference in production costs contributes to Cava’s lower price point compared with Prosecco.
Is Cava Categorized As A Dry Or Sweet Wine?
Cava is traditionally a dry sparkling wine, but semi-dry and sweet varieties are also available. The sweetness is usually described on the label as Brut Nature (no dosage/very dry), Extra Brut (low dosage/very dry), Brut (medium-dry), Extra Seco (semi-dry) or Dulce (sweet).
Generally speaking, most Cavas are Brut or Extra Brut. It’s essential to check the label before you buy to determine the sweetness level of your Cava.
What Makes Cava Not A Champagne?
Cava differs from Champagne in that it is made with different varieties of grapes (Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parellada, or Subirat Parent) and uses an indigenous yeast strain during production.
Cava is also typically made with the traditional method, or método tradicional, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle, a process that Champagne does not use. These factors combine to create a unique flavor profile and give Cava its distinct character.
Is Prosecco More Acidic Than Cava?
No, Prosecco is generally considered to be less acidic than Cava.
Prosecco is made in the Veneto region of Italy using Glera grapes, giving it a softer, rounder flavor profile with lower acidity compared to Spanish sparkling wines made from Macabeu and Parellada grapes such as Cava.
While both can be refreshing and enjoyable, the lower acidity of Prosecco makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a milder sparkling wine.
Are There Other Types Of Sparkling Wine?
Yes! Besides Cava and Prosecco, several other types of sparkling wines are available.
In France, Champagne is a sparkling wine made from grapes grown in the Champagne region. In Italy, there is Franciacorta and Lambrusco. Spain has Espumante, comparable to a sparkling version of wine such as Ribera del Duero or Rioja.
In the United States, several types of sparkling wines are available, including Asti Spumante, Moscato d’Asti, and California sparkling wines. In Germany, Sekt is a sparkling wine made from Riesling grapes.
Is Prosecco Classified As Wine Or Champagne?
Prosecco is not classified as champagne but as a type of Italian sparkling wine. Prosecco is made from Glera grapes and originated in the Veneto region of Italy. It has lower alcohol content and tends to be less expensive than Champagne. However, it still has a refreshing and pleasant taste, making it popular for any occasion.
What Makes Prosecco Popular?
Prosecco has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its lighter, more refreshing taste compared to traditional sparkling wines and its affordability and accessibility.
Conclusion
Now you should know how Cava vs Prosecco differs. They are both delightful sparkling wines with unique flavor profiles.
Cava has a dry and mineral-oriented taste, while Prosecco tends to be more bittersweet and fruity. Additionally, Cava is aged for at least nine months, while Prosecco undergoes rapid fermentation and is typically enjoyed shortly after bottling. Cava is generally more affordable and widely available than Prosecco.
Ultimately, the answer to which one is better comes down to personal preference, so it may be worthwhile to try them both and decide for yourself. No matter your choice, Cava and Prosecco will bring a festive atmosphere to any gathering. Cheers!
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparkling_wine
https://www.wikihow.com/Decant-Wine