DO Cava, Corpinnat or Clàssic Penedès?

Understanding the Sparkling Wines of Penedès

My first visit to Penedès was in 2017, one year before the creation of Corpinnat so I only discovered DO Cava and Clàssic Penedès on the labels. You may think they are not all sparkling wines but they are and also using the traditional method (like champagne). But there are also differences.

Understanding the differences will help you appreciate the incredible diversity of Penedès and make your winery visits even more rewarding.

DO Cava, in Penedès and other regions

DO Cava is Spain's official Denomination of Origin for sparkling wine produced using the traditional method. Although most Cava is produced in Penedès, the appellation extends across several regions in Spain.

Modern DO Cava has evolved significantly in recent years, introducing new quality classifications based on vineyard origin and ageing to better highlight premium wines.

Both large internationally known producers as Codorniu and Freixenet and small family estates like Guilera are member.

Corpinnat, born in the heart of Penedès

Corpinnat is not a Denomination of Origin but a collective brand founded in 2018 by a group of wineries located in the historic heart of Penedès.

The name means "born in the heart of Penedès," reflecting its strong connection to the region (cor = heart, pinna = Latin name of Penedès and nat = born)

To use the Corpinnat label, wineries must meet strict production standards, including: 100% organic certified vineyards, manual harvest, winemaking entirely at the estate and a minimum bottle aging of 18 months.

Many Corpinnat wineries like Gramona, Recaredo, Sabaté i Coca and Llopart emphasize terroir, sustainability, and long ageing, producing sparkling wines with remarkable complexity and character.

Clàssic Penedès, the sparkling wine category of DO Penedès

Unlike DO Cava, every bottle of Clàssic Penedès must come entirely from the Penedès region and be made from organically grown grapes. It must also undergo traditional bottle fermentation with a minimum of 18 months ageing.

While production volumes are relatively small, Clàssic Penedès represents another exciting expression of the region's commitment to quality and sustainability.

Each designation represents a different philosophy. DO Cava offers incredible diversity, from everyday sparkling wines to prestigious long-aged cuvées while Corpinnat focuses on strict origin, organic viticulture, and premium production standards. Clàssic Penedès combines the identity of DO Penedès with fully organic sparkling wine production.

Ultimately, the producer, vineyard, vintage, and winemaking style often matter more than the designation itself. Some wineries proudly produce DO Cava, others belong to Corpinnat, while others have chosen Clàssic Penedès. Each visit offers a different perspective on the region's rich sparkling wine heritage.

Experience the diversity of Penedès during a wine tour

At PenedesTours.com, we organize winery tours that introduce visitors to the fascinating world of cava. You'll meet passionate winemakers, walk through beautiful vineyards, and discover why this region has become one of Europe's most exciting wine destinations.

Whether you're a casual wine lover or a passionate enthusiast, exploring the sparkling wines of Penedès is an unforgettable experience.