Spanish DO regulator introduces new zones for Cava

Spanish sparkling wine will soon be labelled from where it originated, according to the head of the Cava DO.

Details of the sub zone’s history in terms of viticulture and vinification, as well as their climatic conditions to “validate the DO’s authenticity and provenance” will be included.

President of the DO Javier Pagés said the new regulations aim to “give the consumer a guarantee of quality and provenance”,  and help them to discover  more about what makes Cava stand out from its competitors.

The proposals, which have been called the Cava Vineyard Registry, will ensure that all Reserva and Gran Reserva wines are registered “so that we can guarantee the quality, place of provenance and traceability of our very best wines.”

The Cava DO group is in the process of radical changes to its production rules, which mean the minimum ageing period for Reserva Cava is being increased  from 15 to 18 months, while aged Cava will have to be made from vines which are at least 10 years old.

In addition the DO has also hired six wine experts to review proposals for its zoning project, after nine producers formally broke ranks with the DO to establish the producer-led group Corpinnat earlier this year.