Premium organic Cava rises in popularity in the US

The US market has become increasingly interested in premium Spanish sparkling wine, specifically premium organic Cava, according to Miami-based fine wine importer Vinamericas. db finds out more about how the trend has developed.

Speaking to the drinks business, Vinamericas vice president of operations Andrew Pilgrim explained how “in general, the Cava market in the US is split between the entry-level which sits just above domestic entry-level sparkling wine and just below Prosecco and the organic Guarda Superior or Corpinnat Cavas which sit above Prosecco, but below Champagne”.

‘No signs of slowing down’

Pilgrim pointed out that “their price point categories roughly follows the consumption trends we see in still wines in these categories” and identified how even though “the entry-levels are hurting” while this is happening “premium and organic are growing”. Pilgrim told db that “this trend has shown no signs of slowing down”.

Founded by Spanish native David Bernad in 2004, Vinamericas, now known to be a leading importer of fine wine from Spain and South America in the US, recently secured an agreement which sees Juvé & Camps, a pioneering winery in the production of long-aged Brut Nature sparkling wines, being added to its portfolio. The move marks a significant step in Vinamericas’ strategy with the national launch of Juvé & Camps beginning on 15 March.

Juvé & Camps, which was founded more than a century ago in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, has long been recognised as Spain’s leading family-owned producer of Gran Reserva sparkling wines. The estate farms more than 600 acres of certified-organic, hand-harvested vineyards, crafting wines exclusively from estate-grown fruit and ageing them extensively in their historic cellars.

Now led by fourth-generation CEO Meritxell Juvé, the house stands among Spain’s most respected traditional-method producers, with a presence in more than 60 countries.

Perfect alignment

Describing the deal, Vinamericas president David Bernad said: “The opportunity to represent Juvé & Camps in the US is both an honor and a natural evolution of our portfolio. Their mastery of long ageing, their pioneering role in Brut Nature, and their unwavering commitment to organic farming align perfectly with our vision of partnering with families who uphold tradition while striving for excellence. We are excited to bring their wines to a wider audience across the country.”

With a network of more than 90 wholesalers spanning all 50 US-states and Puerto Rico, Vinamericas’ portfolio includes 38 family-owned wineries. This means that Juvé & Camps now joins producers such as: Bodegas Pujanza and Bodegas Bodegas Urbina in Rioja, Francois Lurton’s Campo Eliseo in Toro & Rueda, 12 Linajes from Ribera del Duero, Marqués de Griñón Dominio de Valdepusa, Perez Barquero, Bodegas Castaño, and benchmark brands like Bodegas del Fin del Mundo from Patagonia, Mosquita Muerta from Mendoza, and Aresti from Chile among others.

Meritxell Juvé, CEO and fourth generation of the family said: “This partnership marks an important step in our presence in the US. Vinamericas’ long-term vision, passion for Spanish fine wine and deep market expertise make them an ideal partner for us. We look forward to working closely together.”

Reiterating the overall trend for Cava in the US, Pilgrim explained how “total volumes are anchored on reported 2023 US imports, which stood at around 21.6 million bottles, plus global Cava trends” but also noted how “premium organic shares track global organic growth, equal to around 32.3 million- 37.3 million bottles, and DO Cava’s shift to 100% organic Guarda Superior”.

Celebrations call for Cava

Pilgrim added that even though “the pattern shows entry‑level Cava peaking around 2021–2022 and then declining” the true upward trend can be seen in the way that “premium organic roughly triples in volume from 2020-2025, even with flat or slightly falling total US Cava”.

With this in mind, Pilgrim observed how “the boom can be largely attributed to the post-pandemic celebrations” and yet, giving a bit of a clearer picture on where entry-level Cava has dipped, he recognised that there are topical reasons behind this. As he added: “The slump is similar to that of other value propositions in recent years and more than likely taking an additional hit due to tariffs”.

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