I am a sparkling wine lover. I think sparkling wine should be part of everyones repetoir; not for celebrations...for dinner, for lunch, for anytime.
Certainly, one issue with sparkling wine is the price. One of the most popular Champagnes in the world, Veuve Clicquot, is $60.00/bottle! But then you see La Marca sparkling at $14.00/bottle. What is a consumer to do?
One conversation with Anna Lopez of Gramora clears it all up.
When you meet someone as devoted to their craft as Anna Lopez, you realize immediately that wine is more than a drink—it’s a philosophy of patience, persistence, and place. This episode unfurls the fascinating story of how a tradition-bound winemaker from Gramona decided to trade the old guard for innovation, helping lead a sparkling wine revolution in Spain’s Penedes region. Listeners are drawn into the drama behind the formation of Corpinnat, the new collective of family-run estates that broke away from the Cava appellation in order to protect integrity, promote organic farming, and give a voice to the land itself. Through an intimate and sometimes rebellious conversation, you’ll come to understand why the geography under your feet matters as much as the grapes in your hand, and what it takes to craft sparkling wine with complexity, elegance, and a sense of purpose that transcends commercial trends and marketing budgets.
Anna Lopez peels back generations of winery history, revealing how time—through wars, scarcity, and serendipitous cellaring—has shaped not only the wines but the entire winemaking philosophy at Gramona. You’ll hear about the deep commitment to biodynamic farming, the return of bees and sheep as vineyard partners, and the meticulous stewardship needed to protect the land for generations to come. Through vivid stories and a genuine passion for tradition and terroir, the episode makes clear that every bottle is a vessel of history, culture, and community—a true taste of its origins, meant for celebration and remembrance.
You will learn:
The origins and meaning of Corpinnat, and why a group of traditional wineries broke from Cava to create stricter standards focused on organic farming, indigenous grapes, and regional identity.
How patient aging, historical circumstance, and unique Mediterranean soils contribute to the complexity and elegance of world-class sparkling wines.
The philosophy and real-world impact of biodynamic viticulture, including why animal life, cover crops, and communal stewardship are essential to preserving both land and wine for future generations.
