Cava vs Corpinnat: What Travelers Should Know (Before Ordering Your Next Glass in Barcelona)
If you’re traveling to Barcelona or anywhere in Catalonia, there’s a 99% chance you’ll end up with a glass of something bubbly in your hand. And when that moment comes, you might notice two names popping up again and again on wine lists: Cava and Corpinnat.
They look similar. They’re both sparkling. They’re both delicious.
So… what’s the deal?
Let’s break it down—hip, fun, and traveler-friendly.
First, What’s Cava?
If Champagne is France’s fizzy star, Cava is Spain’s laid-back, sun-drenched cousin. Made mostly in Catalonia (though technically allowed in other regions), Cava is produced using the traditional method—the same process used in Champagne—with a second fermentation in the bottle.
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Cava is known for:
Bright citrus flavors
Fresh orchard fruit
A wallet-friendly price tag
Spanish vibes in a bottle
Think: brunch on a terrace, tapas in El Born, or a sunset picnic on Barceloneta Beach. Cava is the easygoing pick that suits almost every moment of your trip.
So… What Is Corpinnat?
Now for the cool, rebellious newcomer.
Corpinnat is a relatively new label created by a group of premium Catalan winemakers who wanted higher standards, more identity, and more recognition for their quality. They left the Cava DO (Denomination of Origin) in 2019 and created their own category with much stricter rules.
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Corpinnat must:
Be 100% organic
Be made in the heart of Penedès, the birthplace of Spanish sparkling wine
Use hand-harvested grapes
Follow the traditional method
Meet longer ageing requirements for deeper flavor
Translation?
Corpinnat is like the craft, small-batch, “I’m serious about bubbles” version of Cava.
Expect rich flavors—think brioche, citrus peel, stone fruit, and elegant minerality. It’s still festive and refreshing, but definitely a step up in complexity.
Cava vs. Corpinnat: The Quick & Simple Breakdown
If you’re in a hurry to order, here’s your cheat sheet:
Cava
More accessible
Wider range of prices
Made across multiple regions
Perfect for casual drinking
Easy to find in bars and restaurants
Corpinnat
Higher quality standards
Always organic
Hand-harvested grapes
Only from premium areas of Penedès
More complex flavor and usually a bit pricier
Or put another way:
Cava = fun, approachable, everyday bubbles
Corpinnat = elevated, terroir-driven, boutique bubbles
So… Which One Should You Order?
Both. Honestly—both.
Here’s how to choose depending on your mood:
Out for tapas with friends? Grab a Cava. It pairs with everything from patatas bravas to jamón ibérico.
Celebrating a special moment? Corpinnat is your go-to.
Wine tasting in Penedès? Try several to experience the difference.
Lazy afternoon in a plaza? Cava. Always Cava.
If you love discovering local, artisanal spots when you travel, Corpinnat is a hidden gem you won’t find in most tourist guides—and you’ll look like a total insider ordering it.
Where to Try Corpinnat & Cava in Barcelona
Because drinking sparkling wine in Spain is a cultural experience you should absolutely not miss.
Top places to sip like a local:
La Vinya del Senyor (El Born) – Great by-the-glass selections with views of Santa Maria del Mar.
Bar Brutal (Eixample) – A natural wine temple. Enough said.
Can Paixano / La Xampanyeria (Barceloneta) – Casual, chaotic, iconic Cava bar.
For a deeper dive, visit the vineyards in Penedès, just 45 minutes from the city. Many Corpinnat producers offer insanely good tours and tastings.