For decades, sparkling wine from Catalonia has meant Cava. But recently, a select group of quality-minded producers—including the visionary Recaredo—has moved beyond the generic Cava label, creating the new designation Corpinnat. This small group prioritizes sustainability, hand-crafted quality, and indigenous grape varieties, setting far stricter standards than traditional Cava regulations.

Recaredo exemplifies the Corpinnat philosophy, crafting wines using meticulous Champagne-method techniques: long, patient aging on the lees, manual riddling, and disgorgement entirely by hand. These labor-intensive steps produce a complexity, elegance, and depth that distinguishes their wines sharply from the mass-produced sparkling wines that once defined the region.

Central to Recaredo’s identity—and to the distinctiveness of Corpinnat—is their reliance on the native grape variety Xarel·lo. This grape thrives in the limestone-rich soils of Catalonia’s Penedès region, imparting structure, freshness, and minerality to the wines. Recaredo's 2019 Brut Nature "Terrers" showcases Xarel·lo beautifully, blended with other traditional varieties, delivering precise citrus and mineral notes, underscored by vibrant acidity and purity from its zero-dosage approach.

Recaredo Corpinnat Brut Nature Terrers 2019 - $38.99
"A blend of 57% Xarel·lo, 25% Macabeu, 17% Parellada and 1% Monastrell, the 2019 Terrers spent 42 months on lees and was disgorged in January of 2024. Yellow in hue, its spiced nose features curry, aniseed and Marsala, along with balsamic notes. Dry and refreshing, the mousse-like palate lingers long with a chalky texture. Saline and flavorful, this is a beautiful take on Corpinnat. 92pts"- Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous)