Wine aficionados usually have different opinions about where the top wines in the world are made. Is it Burgundy? Bordeaux? Tuscany or Piedmont? What about Spain?
For those who may not have a bottomless bank account to travel the world seeking out the best of the best, there are classification and ranking systems to help guide consumers to bottles that are produced under certain requirements.
Grape varieties, winemaking styles and viticultural practices are included among them, and these classifications, while not perfect, are there to ensure that quality, style and tradition are respected – and that what you get in the bottle is a proper reflection of the land and winemaking of that area.
(Courtesy of Grandes Pagos de España)
Consumers know that wines made by embers of Grandes Pagos de España undergo a rigorous selection process for viticulture andwinemaking excellence.
Quality Levels in Spain
In Spain, the “denominación de origen” (DO) designation guarantees a certain level of quality and specifications for grape varieties and regional boundaries. The “denominación de origen calificado” (DOCa) goes a step further, requiring DOs to have standing of at least 10 years and apply to be approved to use the higher label. So far, only two DOCas exist: Rioja and Priorat.
Another classification in Spain includes the Vino de Pago (VP) designation, which applies to a small number of single estates with top reputations using only estate-grown grapes from unique “pagos” or single vineyards. Beyond that, there’s the Grandes Pagos de España (GPE), requiring a consistent track record of the highest quality wines from those estates that are accepted as members.
Grandes Pagos de España is a nonprofit association of just 36 wineries as of 2023, though the number has been steadily increasing since its beginning in 2000 with five founding wineries. These wineries are spread across Spain in 20 different viticultural zones. The members of the association share a commitment to preserve the single vineyard personality of Spanish terroir and produce wines of excellence. In other words, these wineries represent the “Grand Crus” of Spain.
(Courtesy of Grandes Pagos de España)
The members of Grandes Pagos de España make a commitment to protecting the unique, terroir-driven personality of single-estate wines.
Part of the organization’s mission is to educate the wine trade and curious consumers about Spanish terroir in the context of history, science, geography, language and people. This is achieved through special terroir workshops that are taking place in Miami, Los Angeles and Mexico.
In Miami, the first GPE workshop was led by Alessandra Esteves, co-founder and director of wine education at Florida Wine Academy. Those who attended the event earlier this year received guided classroom study and in-person tastings of wines from these grand estates, as well as the opportunity to hear from several guest speakers from member wineries.
One of those member wineries presented in Miami was sparkling wine producer Gramona.
Grandes Pagos de España
(Courtesy of Gramona)
Gramona is a historic grand estate cultivatingpremium wines in Spain through generations of family winemaking practices.
Gramona is a historic grand estate cultivating premium wines in Spain through generations of family winemaking practices. This winery’s long-aging method for producing its highest-level sparkling wine from the best vineyards makes it an ideal member of the Grandes Pagos family.
The Gramona brand grew from uniting two major wine industry families in Catalonia. The Batlle and Gramona families were joined through marriage and began making Spanish sparkling wine as a family winery by the early 20th century. One hundred years later, the Gramona family and brand have become leaders in Spain’s top-level sparkling wines as part of the Grandes Pagos de España, as well as a new classification called Corpinnat.
As part of its commitment as a member of GPE, respect for the land is one of the top philosophies at Gramona, with biodynamic farming at the heart of its agricultural practices.
(Courtesy of Gramona)
A commitment to biodynamic farming is at the heart of Gramona’s viticultural philosophy
Biodynamics supports the self-sufficiency of the land through regenerative practices. This means that the family farms organically, without the use of chemicals, and prioritizes the increase of biodiversity on the property – an important component of healthy, regenerative land. This natural approach to viticulture ensures that the wines produced from the grapes of these vineyards truly showcase tradition and unique characteristics.
Though located in the traditional Cava-producing region of Spain, Gramona classifies its wines under the new Corpinnat designation. The Corpinnat brand is recognized by the European Union as an official designation for Spanish sparkling wine producers who adhere to certain practices.
These practices include a commitment to historic grape varieties and production in the traditional sparkling wine region of Penedès. Producers must use only 100% organic grapes that are harvested manually and must vinify their wines on their estate properties.
(Courtesy of Gramona)
The Gramona family still runs the winery and represents generations of growers and makers.
Corpinnat producers also commit to long-aging practices and using grapes from their own vineyards, or through long-term purchasing agreements that are carefully observed. As a result, consumers can be assured that bottles carrying the Corpinnat designation are from producers who care not only about top-quality winemaking practices, but also about the history and tradition of these methods.
It’s safe to say that as a member of both Grandes Pagos de España and the Corpinnat brand, Gramona is one producer that is leading the way in showcasing the best wines of Spain.
Interested consumers and industry members can learn more at another in-person terroir workshop with Grandes Pagos de España in Miami this fall.