Cava Day, celebrated by lovers of Spanish sparkling wine on 12 July, is the perfect opportunity to open a bottle and remind ourselves why cava is one of Europe’s most fascinating sparkling wine styles. The Codorníu brand, one of Spain’s oldest family-run wineries, lies at the very roots of this style and continues to shape its modern form to this day.
Cava is produced using the traditional method of secondary fermentation directly in the bottle, just like Champagne. This is precisely what sets it apart from prosecco, which is produced in tanks using the Charmat method. Thanks to bottle ageing, cava develops a finer effervescence, greater complexity and a more layered flavour profile, combining freshness with elegance and a hint of toastiness. It is not merely a summer aperitif, but a fully fledged sparkling wine with real gastronomic potential.
The tradition that shaped Spanish cava
The history of Codorníu dates back to 1551, when the family began making wine in Catalonia. Today, the brand is regarded as one of the pioneers of cava, which has gradually evolved into a distinct category with a protected designation of origin. Codorníu combines traditional methods with modern oenology and has long placed great emphasis on the precise selection of grapes and individual cuvées.
A significant milestone is the Anna de Codorníu range, based on the Chardonnay grape variety. This has brought a more modern, fresher style to the world of cava, emphasising fruitiness, finesse and versatility in pairing with food. Cava has thus moved from its role as a celebratory drink into an everyday fine-dining context.
A selection of Codorníu wines for summer celebrations
Anna de Codorníu Blanc de Blancs Brut captivates with its brilliant golden colour with green highlights and 15 months’ bottle ageing. The nose is dominated by citrus and tropical fruit, complemented by a subtle hint of brioche, while the palate is fresh, harmonious and well balanced.
Anna de Codorníu Rosé Brut offers an elegant rosé style with pronounced fruitiness, featuring notes of strawberries and cherries. Its delicate effervescence emphasises its lightness, making it an ideal choice for summer serving, particularly as an aperitif.
Ars Collecta Blanc de Noirs Gran Reserva Brut 2019 demonstrates Codorníu’s ambition in the premium category. Based on Pinot Noir, it offers complex aromas of red fruit and flowers, a fuller body and a creamy texture with firm acidity and a long finish.
Codorníu’s cava thus confirms that Spanish tradition can stand alongside the world’s greatest sparkling wines—while retaining its own identity, lightness and Mediterranean character.
Source: Premier Wines & Spirits
