Josep Masachs – Interview With Alex Ruiz Masachs

Exploring the Sparkling Wine world will take you to every corner of the globe, there is so much to explore and taste, it would take several lifetimes to experience everything, but it it our mission here at Glass of Bubbly to highlight every country, region and bubbly producer, along with the incredible people making it all possible.

In this exclusive feature on Glass of Bubbly we travel to Spain, visiting Josep Masachs to speak with Alex Ruiz Masachs, the CEO and Winemaker at Josep Masachs, let’s discover a little about his life, his journey in the industry and one of his most memorable Cava memories.

It’s Great To Speak With You, Alex. Can You Tell Us A Little About Yourself & How Your Incredible Journey Into The Wine Industry Began?

“Thank you for having me. My journey into the wine industry began quite naturally. As a child, I spent a lot of time in the vineyards watching my grandfather work.

Later, I helped my uncles during the harvest. After finishing college and spending some time abroad, I realized that this was my true calling. I specialized in oenology while working in various roles at the winery, from commercial to delivery, to understand the entire process.”

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine? When It Was And What Kind Of Label It Was?

Yes, I vividly remember my first experience with sparkling wine. It was during one of our family gatherings. We opened a bottle of our own Cava, called Louis de Vernier, which was a quite famous brand in the late 80s. The effervescence and the complexity of flavors were fascinating and left a lasting impression on me.

How Rewarding And Challenging Is Managing Acting As The CEO Of Josep Masachs?

“Managing as the CEO of Josep Masachs is both rewarding and challenging. The most challenging part is balancing tradition with modernity. We strive to respect our legacy while also innovating for future generations. The rewarding part is seeing the new generation work harmoniously with the older one, maintaining a balance between where we come from and where we aim to go.”

When It Comes To Pairing Your Sparkling Wine With Food, Do You Have Any Favourite Combinations That You Would Personally Recommend?

“Absolutely. One of my favorite pairings is our Josep Masachs Tradicional Brut Nature with seafood paella. The wine’s acidity and minerality complement the richness of the dish perfectly. Another great combination is our La Mitica Reserva Brut Rosé Cava with grilled salmon; the flavors meld beautifully.”

If You Could Choose A Person In The World, Past Or Present, To Have A Glass of Bubbly With; Who Would It Be And Why? What Would You Drink And Why? What Would You Discuss And Why?

“I would choose to have a glass of bubbly with my great-grandfather, Josep Masachs Llorach. I would love to share our centenary Cava (Josep Masachs Tradicional) with him and discuss his vision for the winery when he started it over 100 years ago. It would be fascinating to hear his thoughts on how the winery has evolved and to share our plans for the future.”

Can You Share With Us Some Of The Countries And Locations Around The World That You Can Enjoy A Glass Of Josep Masachs?

“Our wines are enjoyed in many countries around the world. You can find it in various locations across Europe, the United States, and Asia. It’s always exciting to see our wines being appreciated in different cultures and settings.”

What Future Plans Can Enthusiasts Of Josep Masachs Look Forward To In The Coming Years?

“We have several exciting projects in the pipeline. We’re working on special limited-production projects that will showcase the unique character of our vineyards.

Additionally, we continue to innovate while respecting our traditions, aiming to create wines that are both enjoyable and distinct.

Our strategic redefinition since 2019 has led to significant growth, expanding from one to three distinctive wineries. This expansion allows us to focus on innovative products, produce competitive young wines, and create high-quality sparkling wines. We are also committed to sustainability and supporting biodynamic viticulturists in our region through the B.R.O.T. project.

We look forward to sharing these new developments with our enthusiasts and continuing to provide exceptional wine experiences. Cheers to new beginnings and shared moments!”

Can You Share With Us One Of The Most Memorable Experiences You’ve Enjoyed With A Glass of Bubbly?

One of my most memorable experiences was celebrating our centenary with the entire Masachs family. We gathered at the winery, opened special bottles, and reminisced about our journey. Another particularly emotional moment was the launch of our Cava La Mítica, created in honor of my grandmother, Pepita. Although she has since passed away, she was with us during the launch, making it an unforgettable and deeply touching experience.”

Thank you, Alex, for sharing your story and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Images belong to Josep Masachs. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission to use them.