Sunday School

WINE

Corpinnat Brut “La Cuvée Aliances,” Gramona, ’22

Penedès, Spain

In the heart of Penedès, Gramona has been making sparkling wine for generations and was long considered one of the great houses of Cava. But in 2019, Gramona and a handful of like-minded producers made a bold decision: they left the Cava D.O. and helped create Corpinnat, a new designation built around stricter standards and a stronger connection to place.

The name Corpinnat roughly translates to “born in the heart of Penedès, ” and the requirements are intentionally rigorous. All vineyards must be organically farmed, grapes must be harvested by hand, wines must be made entirely on the estate, and aging requirements exceed those of standard Cava.

For producers like Gramona, it was a way to emphasize quality and terroir rather than simply fit within a larger category. “La Cuvée Aliances” is a beautiful example of that vision. Made in the traditional method and aged on its lees to build depth and complexity, it offers notes of citrus, green apple, toasted almond, and fresh- baked bread, carried by fine, elegant bubbles. More than just a sparkling wine, this bottle tells the story of a group of producers willing to redefine the rules in pursuit of something better. It’s fresh, complex, and unmistakably Penedès, with the craftsmanship and patience that have made Gramona one of Spain’s most respected names in bubbles.

$16 glass‍ ‍•  $11 glass

CHEESE

Torta del Casar

Extremadura, Spain · Sheep–R

Torta del Casar is a traditional Spanish cheese that owes its decadent texture to sheep’s milk, which is naturally higher in fat and protein than cow and goat milks. The result is an intensely creamy cheese that feels almost impossibly luxurious.

This cheese is name protected under the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) system, meaning authentic Torta del Casar can only be produced in Extremadura, Spain, following strict traditional methods. One of its defining characteristics is the use of cardoon thistle rennet, which contributes a signature hint of bitterness to the flavor.

As it ripens, the interior becomes so gloriously gooey that a knife is almost unnecessary. Many cheese lovers simply cut off the top and dive in with a spoon. Beneath the wrinkled rind, you'll find a silky, molten paste with flavors of warm bread, artichoke, and sweet grass. It's the kind of cheese that turns a snack into an event.

$9‍ ‍•  $6