In the glass
Aroma: pear, blackcurrant leaf, honeydew melon, quince
Palate: creamy peach, custard, appetising acidity, long finish
Indigenous-trio Cava in the Semi-Seco style (37 grams per litre residual sugar), the brand's original launch back to 1941. Ripe pear, melon and quince aromatics with a creamy mousse; the right Cava for spicy food and lighter desserts.
What it pairs with
-
Crema catalana
Find crema catalana on TableJourney →
Semi-Seco residual sweetness echoes the caramelised sugar crust; cream-and-egg base finds an echo in the wine's custard register. -
Spicy chorizo tapas
Find spicy chorizo tapas on TableJourney →
A touch of sugar balances spicy paprika sausage; bubbles refresh the palate between bites. -
Pad Thai
Off-dry Cava is a textbook match for sweet-savoury Southeast Asian noodles with fish sauce and tamarind. -
Fresh fruit salad
Light melon and pear aromatics layer with summer fruit; off-dry finish keeps the pairing fresh, not flat.
History
Freixenet's founding sparkling cuvee, launched in 1941 under Pedro Ferrer's son Joan Ferrer. Carta Nevada (Snow Card) takes its name from the white-and-gold label and the snowfall imagery that recurs in Freixenet's marketing. Predates Cordon Negro by 33 years.
- 1941 — Carta Nevada launched as Freixenet's first signature Cava
- 1974 — Cordon Negro launched alongside Carta Nevada, expanding the brand's range
Facts
- Producer
- Freixenet
- Grapes
- Macabeo (33%), Xarel-lo (33%), Parellada (33%)
- Classification
- DO Cava
- Oak
- Stainless steel; minimum 15 months on lees in bottle
- ABV
- 12.0%
- Price
- EUR 7 to 12 at retail
- Drinking window
- 0-3 from disgorgement
- First vintage
- 1941
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Frequently asked about Carta Nevada Semi-Seco
What does Carta Nevada Semi-Seco taste like?
Pear, blackcurrant leaf, honeydew melon and quince on the nose; creamy peach, custard, appetising acidity and a long finish on the palate. Light-bodied, off-dry with a creamy mousse.
When should I drink Carta Nevada?
Drink within 0 to 3 years of disgorgement. Serve well chilled at 6 to 8 degrees Celsius; the Semi-Seco style is built for lighter desserts and spicy food, not for cellaring.
What grapes are in Carta Nevada?
Equal thirds of the three indigenous Cava varieties: Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada. The wine is Freixenet's original 1941 launch cuvee.
What food pairs with Carta Nevada?
Crema catalana and lighter desserts use the residual sugar; spicy chorizo tapas and Pad Thai work because the off-dry finish balances spice.