Raventós Codorníu, one of Spain’s most historic and prominent wine producers, has been captivating discerning palates for generations with its exceptional Cavas and an ever-expanding portfolio of premium still wines. As I delved deeper into the rich tapestry of this iconic brand during a tasting in New York City, I was struck by the unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability that permeates every facet of their winemaking journey.
Cava Production: A Catalonian Tradition Elevated
At the heart of Raventós Codorníu’s legacy lies their role in creating Cava, Spain’s most celebrated sparkling wine. Founded in 1551, the company has been a pioneer in the production of this quintessential Catalonian delight, honing techniques and perfecting the art of blending over centuries. From the meticulous selection of grape varieties to the precise aging process, every step in the Cava-making journey is undertaken with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Raventós Codorníu’s Cava grapes are sourced from carefully cultivated vineyards, each reflecting the unique terroir of their respective regions. In the continental climate of the inner Costas del Segre, they nurture Chardonnay, while the Mediterranean climate of the Conca de Barberà region yields the indigenous Pinot Noir. The backbone of their Cava cuvées, however, comes from the traditional Cava grapes – Macabeu, Xarel·lo, and Parellada – which lend the wines their distinctive freshness and complexity.
The Cava aging process at Raventós Codorníu is a study in patience and precision. Their premium offerings, such as the Ars Collecta and Josep Raventós Cava Gran Reserva, undergo an extended period of lees aging, sometimes for up to 15 months or more. This meticulous technique not only imparts a velvety texture and depth of flavor but also preserves the vibrant acidity that is the hallmark of exceptional Cava.
Premium Wines: Exploring Diverse Terroirs
In addition to their renowned Cavas, Raventós Codorníu has expanded its winemaking prowess to craft a diverse range of premium still wines, showcasing the unique terroirs of Spain and even extending their reach to Napa, California.
Red Wine Varieties
Delving into the realm of red wines, Raventós Codorníu has meticulously cultivated Tempranillo in the renowned Rioja region, as well as Cariñena and Garnacha in the esteemed Priorat appellation. These varietals, when handled with the utmost care and attention, yield wines of exceptional depth, complexity, and balance.
The Scala Dei series from Priorat, for instance, exemplifies the region’s characteristic intensity, but with a more approachable and elegant style. The Scala Dei Prior, aged for one year in oak barrels, presents a captivating “licorice wood” character, while the Scala Dei Cartoixa showcases the full potential of Cariñena with its robust structure and balsamic notes.
White Wine Varieties
Raventós Codorníu’s white wine offerings are equally impressive, showcasing the versatility of the region’s grape varieties. The Massipa Scala Dei, a refreshing blend of Garnacha Blanca and Chenin Blanc, highlights the harmonious balance of freshness and complexity that can be achieved in the Priorat terroir.
Venturing beyond their Spanish roots, Raventós Codorníu has also established a presence in the renowned Napa Valley, where they produce the Artesa Cabernet Sauvignon Elevation Block-92. This bold and elegant red wine, with its notes of vanilla and refreshing characteristics, is a testament to the winery’s ability to adapt and excel in diverse viticultural regions.
A Legacy of Innovation and Sustainability
The story of Raventós Codorníu is one of unwavering dedication, innovation, and a deep respect for the land. This family-owned winery, with its roots dating back to 1551, has weathered centuries of change, continuously evolving to meet the demands of the modern wine consumer while remaining true to its Catalonian heritage.
At the helm of this legacy is Diego Pinilla, the Director of Winemaking, whose passion and vision for winemaking have been instrumental in shaping the Raventós Codorníu portfolio. Pinilla’s approach is marked by a commitment to sustainability, as the winery has taken significant steps to minimize its environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
“Each winemaker knows better what he is doing; I only provide different eyes when we review or assess the job both in the vineyards and in the bottle,” Pinilla humbly states, embodying the spirit of collaborative leadership that permeates the Raventós Codorníu team.
Tasting the Essence of Catalonia
As I delved into the tasting of Raventós Codorníu’s exceptional Cavas and premium wines, I was captivated by the depth of flavor and the refined elegance that defines each sip. The Ars Collecta Blanc de Blancs Reserva, with its remarkable acidity and freshness, is a true testament to the legacy of Josep Raventós, the pioneer of Cava production.
The Josep Raventós Cava Gran Reserva 2015, a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Macabeu, Xarel·lo, and Parellada, exemplifies the harmonious interplay of grape varieties. Its golden hue, notes of spices and red fruits, and velvety texture create a truly exceptional Cava experience.
Venturing into the still wine portfolio, the Scala Dei series from Priorat showcases the region’s unique terroir, with each wine offering a distinct personality. The Scala Dei Prior, with its “friendly tannins” and captivating “licorice wood” character, provides an approachable introduction to the region’s renowned intensity, while the Scala Dei Cartoixa and Scala Dei Masdeu offer more robust and powerful expressions.
Raventós Codorníu’s commitment to sustainability and terroir-driven winemaking is evident in every sip, and their unwavering pursuit of excellence has undoubtedly cemented their place as one of Spain’s most revered and innovative wine producers. As I raise a glass to this exceptional winery, I am reminded of the Catalonian spirit that infuses each bottle – a spirit of innovation, tradition, and an uncompromising dedication to quality.