What flavor notes are typically found in Cava?

Cava, a sparkling wine from the Catalonia region of Spain, is primarily made using indigenous grape varieties such as Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. These grapes are known for imparting fresh, vibrant flavors to the wine. The dominant flavor notes in Cava typically include green fruit, such as green apple, as well as citrus fruits like lemon and lime. This profile is a characteristic feature of the style and reflects the wine's refreshing acidity and crispness.

Unlike some other sparkling wines, Cava does not emphasize richer flavors such as tropical fruits, which are more typical in wines made from fruit with higher sugar content or in warmer climates. Similarly, red berries and cream are more associated with particular styles of sparkling wines like some Champagnes, and spicy oak and vanilla flavors are often linked to wines that have been aged in oak barrels, which is not a predominant characteristic of traditional Cava. Thus, the flavor notes of green fruit and citrus best represent the style and typical characteristics of Cava.