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Apr 01 2026
The DO Cava adds five new Cavas de Guarda Superior
The DO Cava has expanded its elite category to 15 members by adding five new Cavas de Guarda Superior de Paraje Calificado, following ratification by the Ministry of Agriculture. These premium wines, representing the very highest standards of Cava quality, include three from Sumarroca (Núria Claverol Allier, Núria Claverol Homenatge, and Núria Claverol Blanc de Noirs), one from Carles Andreu (L'Era del Celdoni), and one from Vins El Cep (MIM Natura Blanc de Noirs).
Cavas de Guarda Superior de Paraje Calificado represent the pinnacle of the D.O. Cava quality standards. They come from a designated site – a Paraje Calificado – a small, officially recognized area such as a specific estate or vineyard). Typically, these areas have demonstrated exceptional soil quality and microclimatic conditions.
Grapes are harvested by hand and the Cava is produced on the estate. Cavas de Guarda Superior exhibit aromatic and structural complexity due to their extended aging process. Typical aromas include ripe fruit, baked apple, dried fig, and earthy undertones. They are well-structured on the palate, with elegant, persistent bubbles, maintaining a vibrant freshness, despite their aging.
The five new Cavas de Guarda Superior de Paraje Calificado
Sumarroca
Located in El Rebato in the Penedès, Sumarroca is a family-owned winery with a history of producing exceptional Cavas. The winery uses 100% organic, estate-grown grapes, with diverse terroir that produces elegant, fresh, and finely bubbled Cavas.
The winery’s three Núria Claverol wines are an homage to the family matriarch, Núria Claverol. Allier offers a complex bouquet, enhanced by a 36-month aging process and made primarily from Chardonnay grapes fermented in French oak barrels. Homenatge is a Gran Reserva produced using a special selection of Xarel.lo grapes, while Blanc de Noirs is a pioneering Cava made from Pinot Noir grapes, traditionally used to produce red wine, with an aging process that lasts over 90 months.
Carles Andreu
The Celler Carles Andreu is located in the small village of Pira, Tarragona, within the Conca de Barberà region of Catalonia. They focus on indigenous grapes, notably Trepat and Parellada, organic practices, and a traditional, family-led approach to winemaking.
L’Era del Celdoni Paraje Calificado is a Gran Reserva, aged for 87 months. This exceptional Cava has complex aromas, featuring notes of ripe fruit, mushrooms, baked apple, and dried figs. It’s a blend of 80% Parellada, 10% Macabeu, and 10% Chardonnay, using only grapes from high-altitude vines that are more than 50 years old.
Vins El Cep
MIM Natura Blanc de Noirs from Vins El Cep was produced from a Pinot Noir vineyard in the Can Prats estate in Espiells, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia. Vins El Cep is a pioneer in biodynamic Cava, having produced the world’s first biodynamic Cava, Claror. Its recently anointed Guarda Superior de Paraje Calificado, MIM Natura Blanc de Noirs, is a 100% Pinot Noir, biodynamic Gran Reserva cava with a refined, creamy texture and crisp minerality, balanced by hints of citrus and toasted brioche.
The Growth of Superior Aged Cava in Global Markets
The market for superior aged Cava, particularly those in the Cava de Guarda Superior category, is experiencing significant growth, both domestically and internationally. This growth is driven by a variety of factors, including increasingly stringent quality regulations, deseasonalization, shifting consumer demands, and a growing focus on premiumization, sustainability, and exceptional quality.
With more than 70% of Cava sold outside of Spain, the D.O. Cava is transforming its reputation from an affordable sparkling wine to a premium, gastronomic product – one that showcases Spain’s blend of tradition and innovation.
