What is Corpinnat?
Corpinnat is a controlled designation of origin (DO) for sparkling wines produced in the Penedès wine region of Catalonia, Spain. Established in 2019, this designation was created by a group of high-quality cava producers aiming to promote and protect their products under a more rigorous standard of excellence than traditional cava.
Corpinnat sparkling wines are exclusively made from grapes grown in the vineyards of the associated producers, using traditional winemaking methods that respect the environment. Additionally, they must meet stringent quality standards regarding permitted grape varieties, minimum bottle aging time, production methods, and adherence to the regional terroir.
Why was Corpinnat created?
Corpinnat was created in response to growing concerns within the Catalan cava industry about maintaining and promoting higher quality standards. Some producers felt that the cava designation of origin, although internationally recognized, did not sufficiently guarantee the quality and provenance of the sparkling wines produced under its label. Additionally, there was concern over the expansion policy of the cava designation, which allowed sparkling wine production outside the traditional Penedès region, thereby diluting the identity and reputation of wines from this area.
The goal of Corpinnat is to establish stricter standards in terms of production methods, grape quality, and sustainable practices, while ensuring greater traceability and transparency in production. Moreover, Corpinnat aims to defend the Penedès territory and preserve its reputation as a wine region of excellence.
What territory does the Corpinnat brand cover?
The territory of Corpinnat, established through meticulous analysis of various territorial and environmental factors, covers 997 km² and includes regions such as Alt Penedès, Alt Camp, Baix Penedès, Tarragonès, Garraf, Baix Llobregat, and Anoia. The delimitation process considered physical variables like topography, as well as human presence and viticultural aspects.
The resulting area forms a compact and rectangular zone, delineated by the Penedès depression and adjacent mountain ranges. The boundaries closely follow municipal lines and parcel divisions, ensuring administrative feasibility. Additionally, Corpinnat aims to promote rural values by excluding heavily urbanized or industrialized areas, focusing instead on agricultural landscapes conducive to the production of high-quality wines.
Corpinnat map
What grape varieties does Corpinnat allow?
According to the document regulating the conditions and regulations of the new PDO, at least 90% of all grapes used for the production of quality sparkling wine under the Collective Mark must come from the following historical varieties:
Macabeo W, Parellada W, Malvasía or Subirat Parent W, Xarel-lo W, Garnacha R, Monastrell R, Sumoll R, Xarel-lo Rosado T.
Additionally, for the production of quality sparkling wine under the Collective Mark, the producer may use up to 10% of authorized varieties: Chardonnay W, Malvasía de Sitges W, Pinot Noir R, Trepat R.
What are the brands affiliated with the Corpinnat label?
To date, the brands that make up Corpinnat are the following: Gramona, Llopart, Nadal, Recaredo, Sabaté i Coca, Torelló, Can Feixes, Julià Bernet, Mas Candí, Can Descregut, and Pardas. The first six mentioned brands were the founding members in 2017.
Corpinnat Commitments
- Birthplace of great sparkling wines: The CORPINNAT territory, located in Penedès south of Barcelona, is renowned as the birthplace of great sparkling wines, where the traditional production method has been perfected over the years, leveraging the unique climate, soil, and landscape.
- Commitment to origin: Corpinnat is committed to the origin of its wines, using exclusively grapes from certified organic vineyards, mainly historic varieties from Penedès, in an effort to maintain the sustainability of the territory and respect indigenous varieties.
- Property vinification: All CORPINNAT sparkling wines are made from grapes vinified entirely on the property, emphasizing the value of artisan craftsmanship and ensuring style and quality from the source.
- Extended aging: With an unwavering commitment to quality, CORPINNAT sparkling wines undergo long bottle aging periods, always exceeding 18 months. Some even age for more than 30 or 60 months in the cellar, demonstrating the dedication of the wineries to extended aging.
- Value chain from vineyard to cellar: Corpinnat is committed to sustainable viticulture and landscape preservation, dignifying the viticulturist through the use of estate-grown grapes or long-term partnerships, ensuring a fair minimum price.
- Strict usage regulations: CORPINNAT wineries adhere to rigorous brand usage regulations based on principles of innovation, rigor, and self-demand, including annual external audits to verify compliance with strict requirements.
What does Corpinnat mean?
“COR” representa el corazón, simbolizando el lugar donde comenzaron a latir los primeros vinos espumosos de España hace más de 130 años. “PINNAT” proviene de “PINNAE”, la raíz etimológica que se refiere al origen del topónimo Penedès, derivado de “PINNA” que significa peña o roca, representando un territorio rocoso.
Corpinnat Wine Tours: A Unique Experience with Epicure Society
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