Llopart - Six Centuries Of Legacy Excellence
Follow 26th generation Jesi Llopart and I as we journey through the legacy of Can Llopart de Subirats- the history, family values and sense of place of this institutional Corpinnat family grower producer in Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, Penedès, Spain.
What is Corpinnat?
COR: heart
PIN: Penedès
NAT: born in the region
Corpinnat is a designation formed in 2017 for high-quality sparkling wines made in the Penedès region of Spain. It's a newer designation, formed by a group of producers (Llopart are one of the founding families) who wanted to distinguish their wines as a high quality traditional method sparkling wine. At a hight level glance, they have more stringent production rules than Cava DO (which was formed in 1979), such as longer aging ( minimum 18 months sur lie), indigenous grapes, smaller yields and organic practices. They focus on terroir by emphasizes the unique characteristics of the Penedès region and smaller production volumes compared to Cava DO. Essentially, Corpinnat represents a commitment to producing premium sparkling wines with a strong sense of place.
A Family's Passion, Bottled
Nestled in the heart of Penedès is Sant Sadurni d'Anoia where Llopart lies, a winery steeped in over six centuries of history. The Llopart family's unwavering dedication to crafting exceptional sparkling wines has solidified their place as a revered name in Spanish viticulture.
Their journey began in 1385 when Bernardus Leopardi was granted vineyards in what is now Can Llopart de Subirats. While the family initially cultivated a variety of crops, it was in 1887 that their destiny with traditional method sparkling wine was sealed with the production of their first sparkling wine. Under the visionary leadership of Pere Llopart i Vilarós in the 1950s, the winery elevated sparkling to new heights, emphasizing quality and craftsmanship.
A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Tradition
Llopart's 102-hectare estate is a breathtaking tapestry of north-facing terraced vineyards, predominantly planted on limestone and marl soils. These "Clos" vineyards, situated at an average altitude of 350-400 meters, are surrounded by 400 hectares of pristine forests and mountains. This idyllic setting creates a natural ecosystem that nurtures biodiversity and imparts distinct characteristics to the grapes. The limestone-rich terroir is the cornerstone of Llopart's signature style: wines that are clean, fresh, and imbued with vibrant acidity.
With a profound respect for the environment, Llopart embodies organic viticulture across its entire estate. The winery's unwavering commitment to the Xarel·lo grape variety has become synonymous with their style. Through extended aging – Llopart’s minimum of 20 months sur lie with an average ageing of more than 42 months – Llopart crafts complex and refined sparklings. Their dedication to Brut Nature expressions showcases the purest essence of the grapes.
A Personal Journey through Time
I was greeted by Jesi with a glass of vibrant Xarel-lo grape juice, a refreshing and invigorating start to my exploration of this wine glorious region. My visit to Llopart was an immersive experience that transported me through centuries of winemaking heritage. As I explored the vineyards with Jesi, I was captivated by the intricate ecosystem she described, where every plant and creature plays a vital role. Witnessing the age-old technique of vine layering on 90-year-old Xarel-lo vines was truly awe-inspiring.
Descending into the cellar was like stepping back in time. A cinematic journey unfolded, showcasing the Llopart family's history, from historical winemaking tools to a vintage car. The highlight was undoubtedly the exclusive glimpse of the unreleased Llegat Familiar – a breathtaking tribute to the family's legacy and a testament to their unwavering pursuit of excellence. Crafted from the Paulino vineyard, planted by their grandfather Josep Llopart Massana in 1935, and aged for an astonishing 144 months sur lie, this Brut Nature is a masterpiece in the making.
While Llopart is renowned for its exceptional Cavas, their range of still wines is equally impressive. The Vi-brant, a refreshing Pet Nat made from rare pink skinned Xarel·lo Vermell grapes, was a delightful discovery while sitting in the much needed shade on a 36C sunny day.
Discover the sparkling wines I tasted:
Llopart Original 1887 Espumos 2013: A homage to the winery's first bottle, this complex sparkling is predominantly made from Montonega and aged for over 108 months.
Llopart Ex Vite 2014: A rich and toasty Brut Nature aged for over 98 months.
Llopart Leopardi 2017: A benchmark of high-quality sparkling, this Brut Nature is aged for over 60 months.
Llopart Integral: A fresh and vibrant Brut Nature Reserva aged for over 18 months.
Llopart Rosé Brut: An elegant and creamy Brut Rosé Reserva aged for over 18 months.
The warmth and generosity of the Llopart family made my visit unforgettable. Every aspect of the estate, from the labels to the family's decision-making process, reflects their deep-rooted passion.
A heartfelt thank you to Jesi and Xavier for sharing the Llopart story. I eagerly anticipate my return to this enchanting corner of Spain.
Link to my Instagram reel Follow Me & 26 Generations of Llopart
