Carrer Major, 6 | 17750 Capmany, Girona
Coordinates: 42.3729280000, 2.9210300000 (map)
Coming to the small village of Capmany specifically for a wine tour puts you into the category of visitors who may appreciate the winery Cellers Santamaría, also known for its brand Gran Recosind. There is a caveat: despite the regular opening hours listed on the web it is open on-demand, at least in the off-season, and requires that you speak Spanish or Catalan. Making an appointment is done over the phone with the owner directly, who is the one likely to show you around. The winery is family-owned and operated, and despite being one of the oldest in Alt Empordà it is small and has an air of exclusivity.
Why visit Cellers Santamaría (Gran Recosind)? For starters, it boasts the oldest crianza wine cellar in the region, which dates back to the 16th century — if you come for a visit, you will most definitely be invited to take a peek inside. Second, there is a small museum on site — two rooms full of family archives, heirlooms, documents and other precious items that your guide will be happy to talk about in a slightly dispassionate, rehearsed way. Language skills are a must here once again — or just bring a friend who can translate!
The winery has a beautiful Art Nouveau tasting room with vaulted ceilings, a polished bar, and plenty of elbow room. Sadly, simply making an appointment for a tour does not guarantee a tasting. The owner, by his own admission, does not like visitors tasting his wines on site. His arguments — one is influenced by group dynamic when tasting here; wine is much better appreciated in a relaxed atmosphere at home; one shouldn’t rush when tasting — are compelling, but not to the visitor who drove from Barcelona for two hours hoping to have a taste before committing to a bottle purchase, even if inexpensive.
Even so, the price point is so good you risk little when buying a bottle or three. Crafted from estate-grown Garnatxa, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Syrah, the wines from Gran Recosind are well worth your attention. Balanced, tannic, and smooth, they are age-worthy and would make a beautiful addition to any dining table.
Visitor information
Address: Plaça Major, 6 | 17750 Capmany, Girona
Phone: + 34 972 54 90 33
E-mail: info@granrecosind.com
Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Sundays 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, but please call to confirm
Winery tour duration: 1 hour
Tour cost: free
Min group size: none
Max group size: 10
Languages spoken: Catalan, Spanish, French
Gran Recosind Criança 2013 (dry red)
Gran Recosind Reserva Cabernet-Merlot 2004 (dry red)
Gran Recosind Reserva Syrah-Cabernet 2008 (dry red)