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SPAIN
– DESIGNATION –
RAMON CANALS – ORIGIN IS ESSENTIAL
Located some 30 kilometres from Barcelona, in the
town of Castellví de Rosanes, this winery was founded
in 1903. Three generations have injected life into the
winery, which produces still wines in D.O. Penedés and
Cavas under D.O. Cava. It is a family business that has
evolved over the generations but has remained steadfast
in its principles: the quality of its products and a strong
commitment to disseminating and promoting the
culture of wine.
Mother and father Maria Angels Canals Duran and
Ramón Canals Llaverol and their children Ramón
Canals and Marta Canals are the winery’s owners
and managers. Ramón Canals (son) is in charge of
winemaking and sales. Daughter Marta is tasked with
management, administration and quality control of the
shipments. The changes in D.O. Cava classifications
have not affected them much. They feel that “the
stricter the regulations the better. We already make all
our Reservas with more than 18 months’ maturation
and soon almost all our Cavas will be organic. But for
ordinary consumers, not experts, we would have to ask
whether they have a full understanding of so many
names, appellations and ways we have of categorising
sparkling wines nowadays. At marketing level, it is
also a well-known fact that complicated names are
difficult for the public to remember. It’s all very well for
professionals, but for the vast majority, those who buy
millions of bottles of Cava every year, will it be clear
or not?”
Son Ramón Canals explains that “highlighting
provenance is essential, as this is the basic tenet of
any D.O. This is fundamental and one of the reasons
why some producers have left the D.O., especially for
exports. It is a good step forward. But from my point of
view the names are complicated and difficult for nonexpert
consumers”.
Inside the Ramón Canals winery
RAVENTOS CODORNÍU -
BENEFICIAL CHANGES
Internationally renowned Raventós Codorníu
encapsulates the history of Cava. As Codorníu’s
winemaker, Bruno Colomer, told us, “it is a pleasure
A beautiful sunset over the vineyards of Ramón Canals
WINTER 2021 GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE 81