The grapes used in the production of Codorníu are mainly sourced from two very different growing areas.

Our Chardonnay comes from our own vineyards located in the region with the most continental climate in D.O. Cava, in Lleida, which gives the grapes a perfect balance of flavour concentration, acidity and body for sparkling wines.

The Pinot Noir grapes also come from family-owned vineyards. Codorníu has the oldest and most extensive vineyard planting of Pinot Noir in Spain and has been growing it for 25 years. Due to its delicate nature, Pinot Noir is incredibly difficult to cultivate. For this reason, Codorníu selected the most appropriate areas in Lleida where the climate allows optimum fruit concentration, coupled with better body and aromatic intensity.

In Lleida the soil is poor and shallow, which curbs excessive vine vigour (good for the grapes, as all the energy goes into the fruit!). Pinot Noir requires care and attention throughout the cycle; we want to avoid water stress and excessive exposure to sunlight and very specific pruning, training and maintenance procedures are called for.

In our family-owned vineyards, cultivation is based on sustainable production methods, adapted for sparkling wine. Harvesting of both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir takes place around the middle of August and is always carried out at night in order to keep the grapes as cool as possible, thereby retaining the best aromas and avoiding oxidation and spontaneous fermentation.

The Xarel•lo, Macabeo and Parellada varieties come from vineyards selected by our viticultural and winemaking teams in the Penedés area, where these varieties manifest their authentic character. The zone’s hot Mediterranean climate allows for earlier fruit ripening, and guarantees a good level of acidity and freshness accompanied by citrus and floral aromas.