What is coupage and what is it for?

Coupages are the combinations made by oenology teams with base wines from different grape varieties (those that have already undergone the first fermentation) to balance graduation or acidity levels. Thus, we get the expected flavors and aromas in the cava or in the wine.

For example, our excellent Segura Viudas Mas d’Aranyó wine, which has balsamic aromas (eucalyptus and mint). On the palate, it is soft, tasty and structured with present but sweet tannins. It has a long acidity that gives it freshness and fruit on the palate. Harmonic and long finish with hints of liquorice and minty notes.

What is the origin of coupage?

Coupage is a term of French origin that refers to the art of mixing wines. There are various versions about the origin of this custom, which goes back even to the Phoenicians. In France, the word coupage acquires a pejorative tone, since it has been related in past times to the picaresque to pass off an inferior wine for another of good quality. There the use of the word assemblage is preferred. In Spanish, we also have the word assembly to describe the mixture of musts, although the use of coupage is widespread without any negative connotation.

Coupage is a widely used technique that allows us to enjoy a wide variety of references that would be unthinkable without extracting their best qualities from each variety.

What is the purpose of the coupage?

Coupages are very valuable: with their savoire-faire, the winemakers and experts involved in this process shape the style of a winery. Moreover, it is true, this creative process, and at the same time analytical, is a very relevant part of the essence of Segura Viudas.

At what time of the year is the coupage made?

The precise time depends on the expert, but the most common is to do it just before bottling, for which many samples are prepared, with different proportions, they are all tasted, they are tasted again, repeatedly before making a final decision.