Cava de Paraje Calificado means qualified location, these Cavas are unique product that comes from a specially selected place. This new classification came about in 2017 and was only awarded to 12 vineyards who produced “aspirational” bubbles and adhere to a strict set of guidelines. These premier vintage cavas are only made in exceptional years and because there are only 12 vineyards approved for this designation, these bottles aren’t easy to come by, even in Spain.
The cava in this classification must be single vintage cava that comes from a single vineyard which is either owned by the Bodega or contracted on a long-term basis. A maximum yield of 8,000 kilograms per hectare is required from vines that are more than 10 years old.
All nine cava varietals are allowed with the majority Xarel-lo (or Pansa Blanca in Catalonia), Macabeo, and Parellada. However, Codorniu includes two single using 100% Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The cava must be aged at least 36 months on the lees, but many bodegas choose to age longer. Finally, the cava must be produced in a dry style, meaning Brut, Extra Brut, or Brut Nature.
Something that really sets Cava de Paraje apart from traditional cava is the tasting and selection process. The selection process is strict and requires blind tasting by a panel of wine experts who don’t produce Cava themselves. According to Pedro Bonet, President of the Cava Regulatory Board, “The singularity of the Paraje has to be shown in the wine, and that is what’s most interesting. There are common denominators in the aging and quality, but because the origin is very different, they don’t taste like each other at all.” While Cava de Pareja comes at a premium, rest assured you’re purchasing a high quality cava that’s been hand selected.
However, with a price tag ranging from 50- 100+ euros in Spain, Cava de Paraje is out of the reach of many. In a country that has few premium prized regions, with Priorat and a few outliers in other regions being exceptions, this premium price seems unwarranted to some. When I asked for a Cava de Paraje at a local wine shop, the clerk rolled her eyes and suggested I try the Gramona III Lustros, which absolutely blew me away. As a champagne lover, I have honestly always thought of Cava as the less attractive stepsister to Champagne. However several Cava producers like Gramona and Corpinnats are changing my mind about Cava. I’ve included the 2012 Gramona III Lustros in my blog post, because at 30 it’s a more affordable option to the Cava de Paraje category.
2015 Alta Alella Mirgin Exeo Brut Nature
This cava comes from AA’s Vallcirera vineyard in the Serralada de Marina ’s Natural Park. The Cava de Paraje vineyard is tucked the municipalities of Alella and Tiana, a mere 15 kilometers from Barcelona.
The cava is a blend of 60% Pansa Blanca, 40% Chardonnay from vines that were planted in 1992. The cava is barrel fermented in used oak then aged 36 months on the lees.
The Mirgin Exeo is a beautifully balanced cava with nice acidity and a floral nose. The mouth is round with notes of toast and ripe fruit. The Mirgin retails for around 52€ in Spain, making it a nice special occasion cava.
Alta Alella also happens to offer several amazing tour options in various languages. If you’re visiting Barcelona and have a half day, I highly suggest arranging a visit.
2012 Gramona III Lustros Brut Nature
Okay so I will admit that this isn’t a Cava de Paraje. However because fruit did originate from a CDPC approved vineyard I’ve included it. This lovely cava originates from Gramoma’s Font de Jui estate in Penedes overlooking the town of Sant Sadurní. Gramona practices organic and biodynamic farming and uses only natural pesticides and fertilizers. The III Lustros is a blend of 65% Xarel-lo and 35% Macabeo and was aged 70 months sur lees with a cork stopper.
This is a very expressive cava that I absolutely adore! This is the Cava that started to change my mind about it. The 70 months of aging on lees shines through with notes of baking spices, nuts, and toast. It has great structure and notes of apple and pear with a hint of a savory note. Here in Spain a bottle of III Lustros retails around 30€, making it one of the more affordable than most Cava de Paraje. I think this Cava stands up and/or outshines many Cavas I’ve tried, which is why I’m including it on this list as a more affordable alternative to a Cava de Paraje and a much better option that many so-so champagnes I’ve tried.
For the full list of producers and more details on this exciting new classification, find pairing suggestions and recipes, visit the beautiful new Cava Regulatory website.
Have any of you had the opportunity to try a Cava de Paraje Calificado yet?
