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CHRISTEL WEEMAES AND
CHRISTOPHER HEIRWEGH, THE
FOUNDERS OF ¡HOLA! CAVA
LÉGENDES
retention, including deep tillage and winter cover crops, and avoid prolonged
exposure to sunshine. The winery has always supported the use of native grape
varieties, “rather than Merlot or the Cabernets, which are not well-suited to
our climate”. It offers unwavering support for its grape growers because overcoming
these issues is everyone’s responsibility.
¡HOLA! CAVA, BRINGING FRESH,
CREATIVE ENERGY TO THE DO
As the founder of ¡Hola! Cava – the antithesis of a conventional winery – Christopher
Heirwegh’s ethos revolves around innovating and adapting to emerging
challenges. Before this year’s drought, comments the winemaker, “there was
the economic crisis, the pandemic, the glass energy crisis… Through their innovative
nature, our wines have successfully overcome many difficult situations
and the company has always managed to reinvent itself”. This ability is at the
core of the bodega’s success: “We’re not afraid of change, in fact we embrace
it. For us, it is necessary, vital even for us to function because it forces us to
bounce back and grow”.
This small family-run company, founded just ten years ago in Penedès, has
constantly made headway throughout its short history. It is now a recognised
Cava company, exporting its wines to over 35 countries. Right from the outset,
it has made a point of being different. “When we entered the market, a decade
WINTER 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
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