Elevating the Cava Experience: The New Era of Celler Carles Andreu
At Wines Direct, we’ve always believed that the best wines come from a deep connection to the land. That’s why we are so proud of our partnership with Celler Carles Andreu. They aren't just winemakers; they are dedicated growers who meticulously manage 85 hectares of family vineyards in the Serra de Prades.
With a limited production of only 140,000 bottles per year, their focus is purely on quality, ensuring every glass reflects the best of their historic estate.
The "Guarda Superior" Revolution
You may notice some new terms appearing on your favourite Cava labels. Approved in early 2022, a new set of elite categories has been introduced to help wine lovers identify the absolute pinnacle of Spanish sparkling wine.
All cavas from Carles Andreu now fall into these most restrictive and prestigious categories:
Guarda Superior: Reserved exclusively for Reserva (aged at least 18 months) and Gran Reserva (aged at least 30 months) cavas.
Organic Excellence: To qualify for this category, vineyards must be at least 10 years old, have limited yields, and be certified organic. We are thrilled to share that all Carles Andreu wines from the 2021 vintage onwards now proudly display the EU Organic Logo.
Vintage Mandatory: Every bottle of Guarda Superior must now clearly display its vintage, ensuring total transparency of its journey from vine to glass.
Introducing: The Integral Producer
When you browse our Carles Andreu collection, look for the "Integral Producer" (Elaborador Integral) stamp.
This is a prestigious designation held by only 15 producers in the entire D.O. Cava. It guarantees that the winery manages every single step of the process, from pressing the grapes to the final bottling, all on their own estate. It is the ultimate mark of authenticity and quality control.
A Taste of the Serra de Prades
The Andreu family’s vineyards are located in the Serra de Prades sub-zone. This area is unique for having the coolest climate of all Cava sub-zones, which allows the grapes to retain a beautiful, crisp acidity, the hallmark of a truly great sparkling wine.
By choosing Carles Andreu, you aren't just buying a bottle of Cava; you are supporting a family that has spent generations perfecting the "estate-to-bottle" model.
Ready to taste the difference of a Guarda Superior Cava?