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Vins El Cep

Maite Esteve - Vins El Cep

Four families, four historic wineries, one shared vision: Vins El Cep has been combining the best vineyards in the Alta Penedès to produce cavas of uncompromising quality since 1980. The roots go back to 1448, when the first vines were planted on the slopes of the Anoia Valley. In 2003, the winery made history as the first biodynamic Cava producer in Spain. Today, Maite Esteve and her team cultivate 200 hectares according to Demeter guidelines - one of only twelve certified estate producers in the region. Her sparkling wines combine Catalan tradition with vibrant freshness, without compromising on origin and craftsmanship.




More about Vins El Cep

Four families, one dream

The history of Vins El Cep does not begin in 1980, but centuries earlier. The four founding families - Esteve, Parera, Carreras and Masana - had been cultivating their estates Can Castany, Can Simon, Can Miquel de les Planes and Can Prats since the 15th and 16th centuries. Generations sold their grapes to the big cava houses until Josep Esteve, Pere Parera, Gil Masana and Josep Carreras decided to write their own chapter.

They built their bodega in Can Llopart de les Alzines, surrounded by an impressive holm oak forest. The name „El Cep“ - the vine - came to symbolise their philosophy: quality begins in the vineyard, not in the cellar. Today, the daughters of the founders continue the legacy. Maite Esteve manages the winery with international vision, while Montse and Mercè Masana, Pilar Carreras and Pere Parera look after the 200 hectares of vines.

Pioneers of Biodynamics

In 2001, Vins El Cep was the first winery in the Penedès to switch to organic cultivation. The next step followed two years later: Spain's first biodynamic cava. What began as an experiment back then is now a living conviction. 60 of the 200 hectares bear the Demeter seal, the rest is certified organic.

The vines are rooted in calcareous soils at an altitude of 200 to 400 metres. Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada form the basis of the white cuvées, while Pinot Noir brings structure to the rosés. Traditional bottle fermentation - at least 15 months, significantly longer for the Gran Reservas - gives the wines their characteristic finesse. The CLAROR Can Prats matures on the yeast for over 60 months.

Estate cava without compromise

Maite Esteve fought for years for a certification that would distinguish estate producers from large industrial wineries. In 2022, Vins El Cep was recognised as one of only twelve „Elaboradores Integrales“ - wineries that grow and vinify 100% of their grapes themselves.

The portfolio reflects this uncompromising approach. The L'Alzinar Brut Nature offers the perfect introduction: fresh, mineral, without dosage. The Clos Gelida 4 Heretats Gran Reserva combines grapes from all four family estates - a liquid manifesto of co-operation. For those who like to experiment, there is the Pét-Nat XRL-LO, unfiltered and lively.

More than sparkling wine

The vineyards in the Alta Penedès benefit from a Mediterranean climate with cool nights. The altitude preserves the acidity, while the chalky soils lend minerality. Each parcel is vinified separately and each vintage tells its own story.

The MIM Natura-The 100% line epitomises the company's biodynamic philosophy. The Blanc de Noirs made from 100% Pinot Noir combines Burgundian elegance with Catalan temperament. Anyone who drinks Vins El Cep not only tastes excellent cava, but also the conviction that great sparkling wines can only come from healthy soils and respectful craftsmanship.

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