Vilarnau organic cava from Spain paired with anchovies, halibut, swordfish 

On July 12, join Spain and the world to toast International Cava Day and celebrate Spanish sparkling wine made in the traditional method from grapes indigenous to Iberia like Xarel·lo, Macabeo, Parellada. Cava comes in various styles from light, fresh and young perfect for tapas to older and more complex to pair with meals  to sweeter versions; basically there’s a Cava to go with every occasion and dish. D.O. Cava also has pairing ideas: check out this chart or use it in Cava cocktails like these as suggested by D.O. Cava.

Here’s another reason to celebrate Cava: there’s a good chance that the Cava in your glass is organic. Even if it doesn’t say organic on the label, it probably was grown organically because Spain leads Europe in certified organic vineyards, and D.O. Cava’s climatic conditions make it easier to do organic viticulture. The category of organic Cava grew by almost 25% in 2024, and D.O. Cava reports Guarda Superior should be 100% organic by 2026. It’s easier under these conditions but it also takes a commitment to sustainability which D.O. Cava has made. Of 144 D.O. Cava wineries, 92 are listed as certified organic and eight are biodynamic. 

organic and biodynamic 2020 Raventos I Blanc, Conca del Riu Anoia paired with anchovy arugula sandwiches is divine!

Producers say organic agriculture certification helps sell their Cavas; consumers choose sparkling wine based on the European Union’s organic certificate which guarantees that no chemicals have been used in the vineyard for the past three years or more. In addition to the E.U. certification, the Catalan Council for Organic Agricultural Production(CCPAE), grants a certificate to organic plant-based products grown without chemically-synthesised fertilisers or pesticides like fungicides, insecticides or herbicides. Read more about D.O. Cava sustainability here.

More good news: this year, D.O. Cava has a contest where you can win four bottles of Cava! More below!

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