A Toast to Bodegas Pinord: A Tale of Tradition and Innovation
As a wine expert, nothing excites me more than the chance to immerse myself in the culture, craftsmanship, and character of a winery. In the heart of Spain's Penedès region, Bodegas Pinord stands as a testament to both tradition and forward-thinking innovation. This revered family business offers an intriguing blend of century-old techniques and cutting-edge technology, earning it a reputation as one of the most respected producers in the region, with its wines enjoyed in 45 countries worldwide.
A Legacy Rooted in the Vine
The Tetas family, founders of Bodegas Pinord, have been crafting wine for more than 150 years. The story began in the estate of Sant Cugat Sesgarrigues, where the family cultivated their own vines and aged their wines using the region's traditional methods. The legacy continued with Josep Maria Tetas, who, in 1942, established the current winery in Vilafranca del Penedès, a mere four kilometers from the original estate.
The winery's name, Pinord, is derived from "Pi del Nord" (Pine of the North), the name of the vineyard that inspired the family to forge their company's identity. Over the years, the vineyard has been converted to organic farming, underscoring the family's commitment to preserving the environment and delivering unique, characterful wines.
Pinord: From Pioneering to Expansion
Pinord's journey is one of constant evolution. They made history in 1942 by pioneering the production of Pearl Wines in Spain, a style of naturally sparkling wines that provide an especially fruity flavor, thanks to the fermentation of residual sugars in the grapes. The creation of these effervescent wines, such as the Reynal and La Nansa series, demonstrates Pinord's innovation and willingness to experiment.
In the 1990s, Pinord embarked on an expansion beyond its Penedès roots, acquiring the Mas Blanc property in Priorat. Here, they painstakingly built vine terraces and planted both native and imported grape varieties. They also established a state-of-the-art winery, prioritizing quality and recognizing the virtues of organic agriculture. This expansion helped Pinord enter the 21st century as a global sales group, making their wines available across 45 countries.
Blend of Tradition and Technology
Although rooted in tradition, Bodegas Pinord has not shied away from harnessing the power of modern technology. Their traditional winemaking methods have been supplemented by cutting-edge technology, which has played a pivotal role in maintaining the quality of their wines and sparkling cavas. This blending of old and new, combined with an exceptional, dedicated workforce, contributes to the global recognition of Pinord's products.
Organic Farming and Biodynamic Approach
At the core of Pinord's philosophy is a deep respect for the natural environment. When Joan Josep Tetas joined the winery, he spearheaded the adoption of organic farming methods. This was seen as the best way to protect the natural environment for future generations and to produce wines with unique character. Their vineyards, including El Serral and Muntanyans, were converted to organic farming methods.
Bodegas Pinord is not only dedicated to organic farming but also embraces biodynamic principles, adding another dimension to their sustainable approach. This has allowed Pinord to create organic, biodynamic, and conventional wines across 9 different DO’s, or Designations of Origin.
Fourth Generation and the Future
The torch of Pinord's legacy has now been passed to the fourth generation of the Tetas family. Mireia Tetas, who holds a WSET Diploma, serves as the head winemaker at the Penedès winery. Joan Tetas oversees the Ribera & Rueda projects, while Josep Tetas leads the adventure in Priorat.
Concluding Remarks
To visit Bodegas Pinord is to step into a world where respect for tradition and a forward-thinking approach coexist harmoniously. It's a place where time-tested methods, innovative techniques, and organic principles come together to create wines of exceptional quality and character. As the torch passes to the next generation of the Tetas family, we can expect this illustrious winery to continue to delight us with its superb offerings, marking the map of Spanish viticulture with its unmistakable signature. More info: https://pinord.com/ https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1063738-d6702288-Reviews-Bodegas_Pinord-Vilafranca_del_Penedes_Catalonia.html
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