Our great-grandfather, Josep Masachs Llorach, owned vineyards in Vilafranca del Penedès as early as 1920. During this time he was one of the pioneers of the area producing still wines, which he made for his own consumption and for sharing only with family and closest friends. Over time he acquired more vineyards, some of them located in the historic Sant Pau Mountain, an area with rich landscape and very varied soils. His vision inspired our grandfather, Josep Masachs Juvé, to keep producing wine. He took his father’s hobby and made it his profession and turned his house, known to everyone as Cal Cabanyes, into his manufacturing center. This is where we began to produce sparkling wines by the artisanal and traditional method.
In 1950 our first labeled cava (known as Champán or Xampany at that time) saw the light, under the name of Les Cabanyes and accompanied by the emblem of the family. The shield of Masachs represents the earth, in addition to other characteristics that enriched our ancestors such as vigor, joy and friendship. The perfect distinctive symbol to represent our wines. In the 60s, the wine was no longer allowed to be produced at home, mechanization was introduced and the first tractors began to be seen in the area. In 1977 the next generation took over the family business, Josep and Joan Masachs Painous put all their effort to ensure that the products were fully recognised. Meanwhile, Vilafranca grew and many vineyard areas became urban soil. At that time, the decision was made to set a commercial office in Ponent Street.
In 1980 a new line of cavas was released, Louis de Vernier. Slowly it was known by its quality first nationally and later on internationally. In 1984, right before harvest, Josep’s first daughter Carolina was born, and a special coupage was made in her name. For the first time, grapes of the Chardonnay variety grown in our vineyards, were used in one of our products. In 1985, these entrepreneurs projected a growth plan and to this end bought La Montsarra estate, 40 hectares located in Torrelles de Foix. There, they built the underground ‘cava’ respecting the catalonian manors’ style and planted the classic cava varieties: Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada.
After a long aging on its lees, the Carolina cava was released. Besides, still wines made by local and foreign varieties were first marketed. The harvest was extended from the end of August to the middle of October, taking into account the degree of ripeness of each variety that was fermented separately later in the winery. All of this was done by working in our own vineyards and through long-term leases. Nowadays, the fourth generation of the family has arrived with an open and innovative mindset. Under the watchful eye of Joan Masachs and led by Alex Ruíz Masachs – hardworking, curious and creative with extensive experience in enology and global sales – family values have been reinterpreted to transmit them through more environmentally friendly products.
With commercial presence in continuous growth, we continue to be essentially a family-run winery where the functions are mixed and each individual participates in different tasks according to their profile. Over the years we have also learnt how to surround ourselves with a solid team of professionals that enrich and complement us, both technically and commercially. The constancy is the value that has allowed us to make a difference throughout these 100 years of intense journey. Our passion has enabled us to be more detail-oriented every day. We seek the quality of our products, made with native varieties that allow us to express the uniqueness of each area. Currently, this search has led us to search for projects beyond Penedes, and elaborate wines and cavas with a unique character, full of nuances and easily enjoyable.