Exploring Penedès: A Day of Cava Tasting and Culinary Delights at Cordoníu Estate

caldomino
Sep 9
4 min read

Cava sellers with rows of bottles — One of the 30km of "roads" under the Cordoníu Estates

Just south of Barcelona, the Penedès region, most famous for its Cava production awaits. This sparkling wine, similar to the French Champagne is made from local grape varieties like Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo and defines the area's wine culture. But there’s more! The Penedès also produces a range of excellent still wines, including robust reds and refreshing whites, all thanks to its Mediterranean climate and rich soils.

Penedès is one of Spain's oldest wine regions, with a winemaking tradition dating back hundreds of years. Impressively, Cordoníu Estate, which produced the first Cava in 1872 is one of the biggest cava estates with over 3,000 hectares filled with vines. This dedication to quality and tradition makes Penedès a must-visit for wine lovers and the "Iconic Tour" with a tasting and lunch was an unforgettable day out with friends.

A Journey Through Cordoníu Estate

As we approached the Cordoníu Estate, we were welcomed by the breathtaking architecture and lush gardens surrounding the property. The estate's historical buildings are declared national monuments and designed by Antonio Gaudi (Sagrada Familia) for the most part, reflect the traditional Catalan architecture of impressive vaulted ceilings, use of light and fit perfectly with the National Park of the Sierra de Montserrat massif which graces the horizon.

Vaulted Catalan ceilings designed by Gaudi — The reception at the Cordoníu Estate, designed by Antonio Gaudi

We started our visit with a guided tour through the estate’s gardens, museum, and impressive cellars.

Our guide explained the Cava's history and the singular processes that make it unique.

The cellars were particularly impressive, with about 30km of rows and millions of bottles patiently aging in cool, dark conditions. This process can take anywhere from nine months to several years, depending on the Cava type, which highlights the dedication to quality.

Cava Tasting Experience

Three fantastic cavas to taste — The three cavas for tasting paired with chocolate.

After the tour, we settled in for a tasting of three of Cordoníu's signature Cavas accompanied by paired chocolates. First, we enjoyed the Ars Collecta Grand Rosé, a rosé cava with a unique and original blend that combines the Pinot Noir variety with Xarel·lo and Trepat, obtaining a fresh and balanced cava retailing at €19,95.

The next glass brought us The Jaume Codorníu Ars Collecta Brut Grand Reserve limited edition which is a nod to the original wines developed here more than 470 years ago. Its blend of Pinot Noir, Xarel lo and Chardonnay comes from very oldest vineyards at Cordoníu and gives it an elegant and creamy flavor retailing at €24,95.

Finally, we were treated to the Ars Collecta Josep Raventós Gran Reserva Brut, the legacy of Josep Raventós, who 150 years ago presented the first cava in history. This 2015 vintage (retailing at €39,95),is one of the best in recent years in the Pla de Ponent vineyards, is the inaugural vintage of the cava that, according to the Barcelona-based winery, "best encapsulates what we were and what we are.".

A Culinary Delight

Following our tasting, we were treated to a delicious lunch on the shaded garden terrace. Our meal featured a variety of traditional Catalan dishes from an extensive "Menú del dia" . There really wasn't a single plate on this menú that wasn't appealing.

A delicious chuleton de Galicia, beautifully cooked at the Cordoníu vineyard — Chuleton de Galicia accompanied by hand cut and home made chips and side salad.

We started with Trinxat, a hearty dish made of potato, botifarra negra, panceta, and cabbage and

a carpaccio of prawns and caviar, followed by chuleton de Galicia and fillet mignon with foie gras. Each dish was a standout, highlighting the culinary talent at the estate’s resident chef Chef Victor Lema. The really quite extraordinary good food, paired with a bottle of Cordoníu Blanc de Blanc made for an unforgettable dining experience.

Trinxat starter. Potato, cabbage, black pudding and pancetta — A Catalan classic... "Trinxat". Potato, cabbage, botifarra negra, and pancetta.

Exceptional Value

The entire experience, including the tour, tasting, and three-course lunch, cost just €85 per person. Considering the quality of the food, the historic setting, and the engaging tour lasting about two hours, we all felt it was excellent value for our money.

Penedès is not only a paradise for wine lovers; it’s also an ideal spot for anyone looking to enjoy gourmet meals and an enriching day filled with cultural experiences and if time allows, a visit to the Monastery at the Sierra de Montserrat is well worth the ever-so-slight detour.

Memorable Moments Await

Our visit to Cordoníu Estate in the Penedès region was a truly fantastic day out.

If you love wine or simply want a unique day out, this is a top recommendation. With stunning landscapes, rich history, and a delicious culinary experience, I certainly will be happy to return.

There are various tours available (we chose the most elaborate and expensive option) which take place at various times during the day and they are available in Spanish, English and Catalan. The staff speak excellent English, but if you wish us to help you navigate their website (it's pretty, but it can be a little tricky to navigate), we will be very happy to help you with your booking. You'll need to reserve a place on-line in advance and they accept payments by various platforms.

You really can't go wrong with this day out. It's well worth the 90 minute drive from Casa Cal Domino and will be a great lasting memory of your holiday here in Catalunya.