Why it matters
The producer
Celler Kripta works with the classic Penedès grapes, white Macabeu, Xarel·lo and Parellada, alongside red Trepat. Its sparkling wines use the traditional method, with the second fermentation taking place in bottle, and the winery uses its own yeasts selected for the wines.
The range includes Brut Nature and Brut wines, with Macabeu given particular attention as a variety suited to extended ageing. Organic viticulture and hand harvesting keep the work close to the grapes before the bottles spend time on their lees.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Penedès lies south of Barcelona in a Mediterranean climate, with Montserrat sheltering the vineyards from wind and severe frosts. Celler Kripta works across the region's coastal zone, central plain and pre coastal hills, so the local grapes come from several distinct landscapes.
Macabeu is associated with the coastal area, Xarel·lo with the central plain, and Parellada with the higher hills. The resulting range keeps the three white grapes visible as separate parts of Penedès sparkling wine.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
Celler Kripta farms 100 hectares across 150 plots, including 40 hectares it owns, together with vine growers committed to its farming standards. The vineyards are farmed organically, and every grape is harvested by hand to limit oxidation and preserve its sensory qualities before arrival at the winery.
Xarel·lo has loose bunches and thick skins. In Kripta, the variety contributes alcoholic power and body alongside Macabeu and Parellada. The sparkling wines use the traditional method and the winery's own yeasts, while Macabeu is treated as a variety capable of long ageing.
Wines to know
The range in view
The sparkling collection includes Kripta, Cuvée 1935, CS, Singular, Barrica, Icònic, Ubac, Franc, Trepat and Bayanus. The Brut Nature wines are made without added dosage, while the Brut bottlings retain a small amount of sweetness after disgorgement.
Barrica is a single varietal Macabeu whose base wine ferments and ages in French oak for six months before its second fermentation in bottle. Trepat is a varietal sparkling rosé made after eight hours of skin maceration and 24 months on lees. Franc brings green apple, peach and nectarine with richness from extended lees ageing. Icònic combines depth and richness with freshness.
A useful way in
A bottle to begin with
Kripta is the bottle to open first. It is a Brut Nature sparkling wine made from Macabeu, Parellada and Xarel·lo from old vines, with each bottle hand riddled and disgorged.