Corpinnat vs. Cava: A dive into Catalonia's bubbly universe

Catalonia is known for its many treasures – from the stunning architecture of Barcelona to the beautiful beaches along the Costa Brava. But one of the lesser-known treasures that thrives in this autonomous region in northeastern Spain is Corpinnat, a highly regarded appellation in the world of sparkling wines. But how does Corpinnat differ from the more famous cava?

What is Corpinnat?

Corpinnat is a relatively new designation in the world of wine, but it represents a deep-rooted tradition in the region. It is a quality designation for sparkling wines produced in the Penedès region of Catalonia. What makes Corpinnat unique is its focus on sustainability, quality and origin.

Cava vs. Corpinnat

Origin

Cava: Is a sparkling wine that can be produced throughout Spain. While it is most famous for coming from Catalonia, it can also be made in other regions of Spain. Corpinnat: is produced exclusively in the Penedès region of Catalonia. This gives Corpinnat a more limited and focused identity of origin.

Quality and origin

Cava: available in a range of qualities, from ordinary to luxury. Corpinnat: has, on the contrary, stricter quality standards (stricter than for Champagne) where only the best grapes from the best plots in Penedès are used, and the grapes are harvested manually.

Sustainability

Cava: While there are cava producers who practice sustainability, it is only mandatory for the qualities “Reserva” and “Gran Reserva”. For Corpinnat, sustainability is a central part of the philosophy. All producers including Raventós i Blanc, Llopart, Recaredo, Gramona, Can Feixes, Mas Candi and others today practice fully organic and/or biodynamic farming.

Grape composition:

Cava: Cava can be made from a number of grape varieties, typically Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. Other varieties that can be used include: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Subirat, and Trepat. At Corpinnat, we focus primarily on the classics from the Penedes region: Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada, Subirat Parent, Grenache, Monastrell, and Sumoll.

Production method:

There is no difference here: Both Cava and Corpinnat are produced exclusively using the traditional Champagne method, which gives them a characteristic complexity and finesse.

Storage:

Cava must be aged for at least 9 months, while corpinat is aged for at least 18 months. However, most corpinatërs are aged significantly longer - in some cases up to 84 months. Longer aging gives depth to the flavor profile.

5 Facts about Corpinnat:

Corpinnat was officially created in 2019 in response to the need to create a differentiated identity for sparkling wines from Penedès. The name "Corpinnat" symbolizes the heart and soul of the region.
Only the best grapes from the best plots in Penedès are used in the production of Corpinnat wines. The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully pressed.
Corpinnat wines are known for their dedication to sustainability and all production must be organic, just as producers are subject to requirements for, among other things, landscape conservation,
Corpinnat wines are characterized by their finesse, freshness and complexity. They often exhibit lively acidity, delicate aromas and a refined mousse.
Corpinnat is more than just a wine; it is a taste of the heart and soul of Catalonia in every bubble, honoring the region's long history of winemaking.

Corpinnat is a wine experience that celebrates both tradition and innovation, offering you the opportunity to taste Catalonia in a unique way. So next time you're considering a bottle of sparkling wine, you should try taking a step outside the familiar cava territory and exploring Corpinnat for an authentic tasting experience. You'll find more corpinats in our webshop