Treat Mum to Iconic Cava, Codorníu this Mother’s Day!

Codorníu is the story of 18 generations in which women have always played a relevant role, beginning with Anna de Codorníu, the only heiress in the 16th century, who kept the family legacy and made it a benchmark in the territory. Her husband, as a sign of respect and honour, did not change the name of the business or the farmhouse, a promise that is kept by the Raventós family even today.

Designed by Josep Puig i Cadafalch, a contemporary and friend of the great Catalan architect Antonio Gaudí, the spectacular modernista cellars at Codorníu still house a beautiful bronze bust of Anna, who not only represents the long and illustrious history of the Codorníu brand, but equally represents the modern era. Codorníu’s cuvée “Anna de Codorníu” was the first Cava to incorporate Chardonnay in its otherwise classic blend of grape varieties and is the most successful single Cava in Spain.

Anna de Codorníu is a huge success in Spain, outselling every other cava in the restaurant and bar trade in Spain. The addition of Chardonnay makes the Cava richer with tropical pineapple notes on the nose, and a smooth creamy mouth feel. The ripe succulent fruitiness of the Chardonnay in the blend gives the drinker the impression that is in less dry than it actually is, so would be ideal for those who find Champagne a little to tart for their tastes. Serve with fondant fancies or a classic Victorian sponge for a very special afternoon tea on Mother’s Day.

If traditional tastes and flavours are what you after, try the ultra-traditional Codorníu 1872 Vintage Brut from Waitrose. How do we know it is traditional? Because Codorníu invented Cava! Traditional in blend, but pristine and refined in style, this is ideal served with, a nice lunch plate of smoked salmon and perhaps some runny cheese. Even a nice bowl of savoury almonds would suffice, but Cava always tastes better with a little something to eat.

Last but not least, how about a glass of Spanish sparkling rosé? Codorníu Rosado is made from the two most common red grapes around Southern Penedès, which are Monastrell, also known in not-very-far-away France as Mourvèdre, and Trapet, an every-day drinking variety from the region that has a lovely vibrant colour, which makes it great in rosé. The wine is crisp, with a full-flavoured palate of candied strawberries and cherry, ideal on its own or with a pizza in front of the television with your fantastic mum!