Gran Pénédès, Spain

Maria Rigol Ordi

In the early 1980s, Maria Rigol Ordi, driven by nostalgia for the family cavas that had been a part of her life, began crafting her own alongside her son, Francesc Manobens Rigol. Together, they initiated a modest production from their home cellar in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia. Maria Rigol held a profound connection to cava since childhood: her grandfather, Modest Rigol Tubella, involved in wine marketing, ventured into producing what was then known as champagne in 1897. Hence, their cavas embody their commitment to preserving family heritage and crafting high-quality sparkling wine, employing traditional blends of Penedès grape varieties and a lengthy aging process. Exclusively utilizing the "cuvée" - the must from the first pressing - renowned for its superior grape juice for cava, they meticulously age it. They oversee every stage of the vineyard cycle and closely manage the grape-to-base-wine process to maintain the desired quality. By collaborating with growers across Gran Penedès, they capture the essence of this distinctive region, fashioning cavas and wines with unique personality and richness.