Vins El Cep OT Xarel-lo 2020

Whenever I’m looking for the very best in Spanish wine, my first check is always Jorge Ordonez. Perhaps no single person in the wine industry has done more to further their countries’ indegenious varietals than Jorge Ordonez has. Since the 1980’s Ordonez has unapologetically brought wines that are uniquely Spanish to the world stage rather than try to make wines native to others.

His off-the-beaten path discoveries are almost universally delicious and extremely affordable. His wines have lit up the restaurant scene and the critical press for years like last year’s offer of Bodegas Avancia Godello – a Parker 96-point white wine made from the oldest Godello vines in the world.

So I called the Ordonez importer and asked them to send me the very best Cava in their portfolio regardless of price. Imagine my surprise when it wasn’t bubbly. Instead it was an absolutely delicious stunner of a summer white – very high toned, super crisp, really just a pretty wine all around. I was blown away.

Even I have to admit that today’s Xarel-lo is a discovery even to me (I’m happy I get to type it instead of pronounce it!). Produced by a four family operation in the heart of Penedes, Vines el Cep, the wines are all certified organic, and all the fruit estate grown, one of the first and only wineries in the region to have that distinction.

As Josh Raynolds reported in his 90 point review: “Fresh pear and honeydew melon on the fragrant nose, along with a subtle floral nuance. Silky and open-knit, showing good depth and a touch of waxiness to the ripe orchard and citrus fruit flavors….”