Corpinnat

Corpinnat is a Spanish sparkling wine movement born in the Penedès region of Catalonia. Its origins date back to 2017, when several prestigious producers (including Gramona, Recaredo, Llopart, Nadal) withdrew from the traditional Cava category. They felt that the name Cava had become too broad and no longer always represented high quality – since this wine could be produced across a vast area, on a mass scale, from various grapes.

The founders of Corpinnat wanted to bring the focus back to terroir, organic viticulture, native grape varieties, and the traditions of long aging. That’s why they created a new designation reserved only for elite sparkling wines born in the heart of Penedès.

How is it different from Cava?

Cava is a broad category, covering a huge area and allowing very diverse production. Some wines are of high quality, but much of it is mass-produced, often from purchased grapes or even bulk wine.

Corpinnat is the opposite: a limited region, strict requirements, organic farming, hand-harvested grapes, and true winemaker involvement in every bottle. It represents the top tier of Spanish sparkling wine.

How is it made?

Corpinnat is produced using the traditional Champagne method (méthode traditionnelle). During the second fermentation, bubbles form naturally inside the bottle, and afterwards the wine is aged for a long time on the lees.

The minimum aging period is 18 months, but most wines are matured for 30–60 months or even longer to develop complex aromas and flavors.

Which grape varieties are used?

The main varieties are Xarel·lo, Macabeu, and Parellada, providing structure, freshness, and aromatic character.
Other grapes include Sumoll, Monastrell, Garnacha, Malvasia de Sitges, and in some cases, international varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. However, local grapes remain at the core of Corpinnat’s identity.

What are the requirements?

Grapes must be organically grown and harvested exclusively by hand.
Production – from vineyard to bottle – must take place within the same winery.
The use of purchased wine or grapes from outside regions is prohibited.
Producers must adhere to fair pricing policies in collaboration with growers.
Independent quality control is carried out every year.

Strict oversight applies to every stage of production. Corpinnat is a collective brand, and its members must follow unified standards. The association ensures that each bottle is organic, long-aged, and authentic.

The result is elegant, complex sparkling wines that reflect the spirit of Catalonia and the winemakers’ dedication to excellence.