Name
CEPA
Origin
CEPA is a piece in which the nobility of the Douro woods and the historical importance of the Portuguese cork, combined with the wisdom of the hands of the local artisans, are combined with wine through the simplicity of the design.
Creating the identity of a wine involves crafting the poetic narrative that surrounds it. The concept of place, history, and origins, which form the essence of a wine’s identity, primarily constitutes the poetic essence developed around the region, the circumstances, and the people involved. Identity is a mental construct, and its authenticity stems from the capacity to connect with individuals, to be shared, respected, and acknowledged.
This creation pays tribute to wine, leveraging its symbols and characteristics, thereby adding value to the ritual of transporting it, serving it, and placing the bottle elegantly on the table.
CEPA is crafted from a single piece of solid wood or cork, in which two intersecting cavities are cut out: one for the bottle, another for the stopper. The deliberate asymmetry of the cavities allows it to be transported, in a stable way, with the left hand, while the wine is served with the right. On the table, these voids are filled by the two elements that protect and preserve the wine – the cork and the bottle – now enriched by the textures and aromas that trace their roots back to the wine’s origin and preservation.
From soil to wine
The word “cepa” is used, in portuguese, to refer to the part of the vine trunk that is buried in the ground and connected to the roots. It plays a fundamental role in the growth and support of the vine and is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the soil and transporting them to the upper parts of the plant. It also has a direct influence on the quality of the grapes and the wines made from them.
The name “CEPA” establishes a link with the essence and importance of the vine, creating a direct connection between the meaning of its original name and the purpose of this piece, which ennobles the act of transporting, serving and placing wine on the table.
Environmental and social impact
CEPA is a product with a positive carbon footprint, as the reduction in emissions from the production of each piece is more than 50 times offset by the certified planting of trees.
The materials used in its manufacture are 100% recyclable and highly durable.
A percentage of the sale of each CEPA is donated to the Plantar Uma Árvore association, the Pronatura project or the international association One Tree Planted, all of which develop and implement programmes to rehabilitate ecologically degraded areas by planting trees and restoring native forests and species.
Their initiatives are aimed at enhancing the natural heritage, reducing environmental degradation, creating and restoring natural spaces, promoting biodiversity and restoring ecological functions through the restoration of native forests. They actively promote ecological sustainability, environmental awareness, participatory citizenship and social and environmental responsibility at all levels.
CEPA has already planted: 25 trees
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank all those who have contributed to CEPA’s continuous development, namely:
– Fernando Seara (director of the Douro Museum)
– Maia Pinto (former director of the Douro Museum)
– Bento Amaral (oenologist, IVDP)
– Paulo Osório (former vice-president of the IVDP)
– Álvaro Domingues (geographer, lecturer at FAUP)
– Ivone Ribeiro (wine consultant)
– Sérgio Leitão (marketer)
– Vasco Coelho Santos (Chef at Euskalduna)
– José Simões and Pedro Simões (SPSS)
– João Petiz (Everythink)