This winery is the result of the partnership formed by four families owning neighboring vineyards in Espiells, in the confluence of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Sant Llorenç d'Hortons and Gelida (Penedès). The properties were established between 1448 and 1568 and all share a long wine growing and winemaking tradition. In 1980 they decided to join forces and work the 200Ha of vineyards owned by the four properties —Gil Masana from the Can Castany estate, Josep Carreras from Can Prats, Pere Parera from Can Miquel de les Planes and Josep Esteve from Can Simón. Thus the four families, who had been neighbors and friends until that moment, became partners.
Vins El Cep stands out by its early approach to organic farming. "We were initially driven by health and quality of life issues,” winery director Maite Esteve explains. 90% of the vineyards are farmed organically but since the end of 2003 they farm five hectares of vineyards biodynamically. These plots are planted with the traditional native varieties used for Cava (Macabeo, Xarel.lo and Parellada) on limestone soils. Claror (named after clarity and purity) was born from this experience. Vins El Cep claims this is the first biodynamic Cava and now bears the Cava de Paraje Calificado seal.
Marqués de Gelida is possibly their best known brand and includes a Pinot Noir Reserva rosé (around €11 in Spain), the Blanc de Noirs Gran Selección (€19) which blends Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the Brut Reserva Exclusive (€9.5), Gran Reserva Brut and Gran Reserva Brut Nature (17 €). The latter is also called 4 Heretats and it is usually aged for over 40 months.
L’Alzinar was the first brand used by Vins El Cep, which now includes two entry-level Reservas made from Xarel.lo: Brut (€8) and Brut Nature (€10). Their third range, called MIM Nature, evokes the idea of caring nature. It includes a Pinot Noir rosé and two blends of Macabeo, Xarel.lo, Parellada and Chardonnay: Reserva Brut (€15) and Reserva Brut Nature (€15).
In terms of still wines, their most interesting is Clot del Roure (€19), a single vineyard Xarel-lo sourced from 70-year-old vines.
Winery tours must be booked in advance.
