How long can cava last unopened?

Cava is a fantastic sparkling wine. But what happens if you buy a bottle of cava and don't open it right away? How long can cava actually stay unopened in your wine cellar or refrigerator? Read on in this guide, where we give you the answer along with a few useful storage tips.

Shelf life of unopened cava

The best time to drink your cava is when it comes to market. Most oenologists would typically advise against storing cava for any length of time before drinking it. A bottle of cava can generally keep its properties intact for up to a year after it is purchased.

This rule applies to all types of cava. The terms "Reserva" and "Gran Reserva" refer to how long a cava has been aged in the bottle and do not mean that you can store them for longer at home.

What happens to cava when it is stored for too long?

Cava, like all wine, is a living organism that develops over time. If cava is stored for too long, the quality and taste of the wine can deteriorate. The bubbles can lose their liveliness and finesse, resulting in a flatter texture. In addition, the wine can develop undesirable aromas and flavor notes that negatively affect the overall taste experience.

4 Tips to ensure the shelf life of cava

• Store unopened bottles of cava at a constant temperature of 10°C - 15°C and a humidity of approximately 50%.

• Avoid large temperature fluctuations as they can negatively affect the wine.

• Store the bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist and prevent air from entering.

• Avoid direct sunlight and vibrations as they can negatively affect the wine.

It is important to remember that cava is a perishable commodity and its quality and taste can deteriorate over time. Therefore, it is recommended to enjoy your cava within the recommended time frame for the best tasting experience. So the next time you are thinking of saving a bottle of cava for a special occasion, you can be sure that it will have a reasonable shelf life as long as you store it correctly.