How Long Can Cava Stay in the Fridge?

Cava, Spain’s celebrated sparkling wine, has long been a staple of both grand celebrations and quiet evenings at home.

Its effervescent bubbles, zesty flavor, and affordability make it a favorite among wine enthusiasts. But when it comes to storing cava, especially in the fridge, how long can it remain at its best? Proper storage is crucial to ensuring you enjoy every sip of this delightful drink.

This article covers exactly how long cava lasts in the fridge, tips on preserving its fresh flavors and bubbles, the signs of spoilage, and answers to frequently asked questions about cava storage. Read on to keep your cava at its peak!

What is Cava?

Cava is a sparkling wine hailing predominantly from Spain’s Catalonia region, created using traditional fermentation methods like champagne. Its name, meaning “cellar” in Catalan, nods to the centuries-old heritage behind its production.

What Makes Cava Unique?

Cava’s uniqueness lies in its use of local grape varieties like Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada, which lend it a distinctive profile of citrus, apple, and toasted almond notes. These sparkling wines undergo a second fermentation in the bottle, which produces their fine bubbles—a process known as the “Méthode Traditionnelle,” similar to that used in Champagne but adapted to Spain’s unique terroir.

Cava vs. Champagne and Prosecco

While cava shares similarities with champagne, such as using traditional methods and a dry flavor profile, champagne has a more pronounced yeastiness. Prosecco, on the other hand, is lighter, fruitier, and made using a simpler tank fermentation method.

How Long Can Cava Stay in the Fridge?

The answer depends on whether your cava is unopened or opened and how carefully you store it.

Unopened Cava

If unopened, cava can typically remain in the fridge for 1 to 3 years, depending on its quality. Premium cavas, such as Reserva and Gran Reserva varieties, have a longer shelf life due to their extended aging processes. Proper storage is essential to maintain their integrity.

Ideal Storage Conditions for Unopened Cava:

• Temperature: Keep cava at a consistent cool temperature of around 8-12°C (46-53°F) in the fridge. Avoid fluctuating temperatures.
• Positioning: Store bottles upright if refrigerating short term. For long-term storage, consider a horizontal position to keep the cork moist.
• Light: Avoid exposure to strong lights, as UV rays can degrade the wine’s flavors over time.
• Odors: Keep cava away from pungent odors, as its cork is porous and can absorb smells.

Opened Cava

Once opened, cava will remain fresh for 3-5 days in the fridge. However, the storage method plays a significant role in preserving its bubbles and flavor.

Key Tips for Storing Opened Cava:

• Use a Cava Stopper: A proper sparkling wine stopper ensures airtight sealing, preserving carbonation longer.
• Keep Upright: Store the bottle upright to minimize surface area exposed to air.
• Temperature: Always return unfinished cava to the cold fridge immediately after pouring.

Tips for Properly Storing Cava

Whether you’re storing cava overnight or for a special occasion months later, these handy tips will help maintain its freshness and sparkle.

Short-Term Storage (in the Fridge)

• Temperature: Refrigerate cava between 8-10°C (46-50°F).
• Position: Store upright if you plan to consume it within a few weeks.
• Keep it Handy: If planning to serve soon, chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours prior to serving.

Long-Term Storage (Out of the Fridge)

• Location: Use a wine fridge or a cool, dark cellar with consistent conditions.
• Position: Lay bottles horizontally to keep corks moist and airtight.
• Avoid Vibrations: Keep away from appliances or movements that could disturb the sediment.

Storage Mistakes to Avoid

• Fluctuating Temperatures: Drastic changes in temperature—say, taking cava in and out of the fridge—can spoil the wine.
• Direct Sunlight: Sunlight alters cava’s color and flavor.
• Strong Odors: Garlic or onions nearby? Relocate them! Aromas can seep through the cork.

How to Tell if Cava Has Gone Bad

Even the best efforts to preserve cava sometimes fall short. Here are the telltale signs that your cava is no longer at its best:

1. Loss of Bubbles: If the cava is completely flat, its characteristic effervescence is gone.
2. Off Aroma: A sour, vinegar-like smell or an overly muted scent signals spoilage.
3. Strange Taste: If your cava tastes sour or like overly fermented yeast, it’s time to part ways.
4. Color Changes: If cava appears darker or browner, it’s oxidized and likely past its prime.

While spoiled cava is generally safe to consume, the experience won’t be enjoyable. Why settle for flat bubbles?

Does Champagne Last Longer Than Cava in the Fridge?

When comparing cava to champagne, their longevity varies slightly due to production differences.

• Unopened: Champagne mirrors cava, lasting up to 3-5 years if non-vintage and 5-10 years for vintage bottles in the fridge when properly stored.
• Opened: Like cava, opened champagne typically lasts 3-5 days with a champagne stopper.

Remember, champagne’s higher price doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll outlast a good bottle of cava when stored correctly.

Can You Extend Leftover Cava’s Longevity?

Yes! If you have leftover cava, don’t dump it down the drain. Here are some clever ways to extend its use:

• Cooking: Use cava in recipes like risottos or sauces for added depth and flavor.
• Freeze for Cocktails: Pour leftover cava into ice cube trays for a future cocktail or sangria.
• Make Syrups: Combine cava with sugar and reduce it over medium heat for a unique dessert topping.

Just reseal your cava immediately after pouring to lock in as much freshness as possible.

Keep Your Cava Fresh

Whether it’s for a celebratory toast or a quiet evening at home, cava’s light sparkle can elevate any occasion. By storing it properly and understanding its shelf life, you’ll savor every sip exactly how it’s meant to be enjoyed.

What are your favorite cava storage tips? Share your experiences in the comments below! Cheers! 🥂

FAQs

How long does cava last once opened?

Opened cava stays fresh for 3-5 days in the fridge, provided you use a proper cava stopper.

How can you tell if cava has gone bad?

Look out for flat bubbles, sour smells, odd flavors, or discoloration.

Does champagne last longer than cava in the fridge?

Unopened champagne and cava have similar lifespans, though high-end vintage champagne may last longer.

Can cava go bad even if unopened?

Yes, improper storage conditions—like fluctuations in temperature or exposure to light—can spoil cava before it’s opened.