In Spain we have nothing to envy our French neighbors when we talk about the sparkling wines of the Penedès. Unique and unbeatable, of great quality and with characteristics also linked to this Catalan territory, the cavas from this region are special. Although good bottles of the exquisite golden drink are also made in other areas of the country, in MadeinSpain, we want to highlight those that come from this place. Next, we present in detail this great product of our land.
The origin of cava
El sparkling wine, recognizable for presenting those bubbles so identifying when served in a glass, it has a curious tradition in Catalonia. Specifically, it was in the middle of the 1870th century, around XNUMX, when the first producers of the municipality of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia they began in its elaboration. They wanted to experiment with a traditional method known as champagne, of French origin.
This is how this wine culture of champagne originated in the Catalan town considered the capital of digging. This last name that ended up receiving the product made in Spanish territory replaced that initial name. The word was legally challenged by France -country par excellence of champagne- in 1972 and for that reason another term had to be found.
But hey, anecdotes of its name aside, it should also be remembered that at the end of the XNUMXth century another significant event happened for the future of the prestige of Spanish cava. A plague of phylloxera devastated the Penedès vineyards and this forced the winegrowers to replant their plots with autochthonous varieties from grape. These were Macabeo, xarel.lo y Parellada.
Sparkling wine characteristics
That is precisely one of the characteristics of the sparkling wines from Penedès next to your growing area. It is an environment influenced by the Mediterranean Sea and the rays of the sun, in addition to the particular climate that make the Catalan region exceptional. Both for the vineyards and for obtaining a distinctive cava, which reflects the richness and variety of the terroir.
Now, if there is a differential particularity of cava, it is its elaboration through traditional method. This is distinguished from other methods to obtain sparkling wines by its second fermentation in the bottle. And here we recall another curiosity: at the beginning, this process that left bubbles inside the drink was badly valued. So much so that their bottles were considered defective.
The French called it wines du devil (devil's wines). Fortunately, science later explained this phenomenon and little by little the product began to not only be valued, but also to be a success. Although for a time cava was considered a cheaper alternative to Gallic champagne, it later earned a huge prestige.
Currently, we can highlight that the sparkling wines of the Penedès are very recognized, because also from this region comes up to the 95% of total production of the drink.
The DO Cava
In the world of Spanish sparkling wine, the Denomination of Origin Cava (DO Cava). Under its umbrella there are up to four wine-growing areas that produce bottles of this drink throughout Spain, respecting their specific conditions. Of course, as we have already pointed out, the most important area is the Penedès.
In general, they bet on the uniqueness and differentiation of the product. Thus, they have classified the cavas into two categories: those for aging and those for higher aging. In the case of the former, they must be more than 9 months in aging while in the seconds, More than 18 months. From the latter come the most prestigious sparkling wines, labeled as Reserve, Great Reserve and Qualified Site.
Premium Cavas
Precisely those that come from a qualified area are called Premium cavas because the grapes with which they have been made come from vineyards located in exclusive plots. These have distinctive climatic, edaphic and crop characteristics, aspects that make them different from their general environment. Authentic jewels of the wineries are born from these places.
Corpinnat
Another important brand within the sector is Corpinnat, which was born in January 2019 as a collective label used by some nine wineries that left the DO Cava. Cava producers who market their bottles under this name defend an aging of 18 months As minimum. In addition, they are limited only to the Penedès plain.
Other differences in terms of the established standards have to do with the permitted grape varieties, organic production or complete winemaking in the winery.
In conclusion, from MadeinSpain.store we recommend some of their bottles of sparkling wines from Penedès. It is worth highlighting those of the family reccared, Llopart, Torrello o Vins el Cep. In our online store you can find them to enjoy some excellent cavas this Christmas. Vegan, ecological and even biodynamic, they are unique products.
Because in MadeinSpain.store, we offer only the best!
AUTHOR: Iván Sevilla, journalist expert in digital and audiovisual content. Specialized in gastronomy and sports. TV reporter.
