Who is also responsible for wine in Catalonia? The Greeks. If the archaeologists are to be believed, they pressed Spain's first wine - in what is now the D.O. Empordà. What is certain is that even Roman emperors tasted wine from Catalonia.
Catalonia: Light or full-bodied, spicy or sparkling - but always more than just cava
Josep Raventós started with cava in 1872, then Miguel Torres imported his know-how to Catalonia - and planted French and German grape varieties. How does Catalonia wine present itself today? Lively, dynamic, fruity - vitality from one of the most varied wine regions in Europe - with fresh, light white wines and a shimmering spectrum of reds and rosés. Granted, France stands for sparkling wines like no other country, but Catalonia's Cava is right on its heels.
What does Catalonia wine stand for?
For quality, authenticity and fascinating variety with a long tradition. Countless grape varieties flow into native and characterful wine styles. Every wine area in Catalonia is unique, spoiled by the Mediterranean climate, the mistral wind and exquisite soils - in the grown cultural landscape of Spain.
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Viticulture in Catalonia: Exquisite conditions for top wines
No, it does not always have to be Freixenet: Numerous small producers of the effervescent cava are worth the discovery - and over 90 percent of the cavas come from Catalonia. Every year the region produces over three million hectolitres of wine on a good 70,000 hectares. The Denominación de Origen is a protected designation of origin that unites ten wine-growing regions, each with its own unique product character, characterised by microclimate, soil and specific location. Variety of grape varieties, each of which can be grown according to its favourite conditions. A special branch is dedicated to organic viticulture, and with sustainable conditions and the avoidance of chemicals, this is reason enough for a voyage of discovery under the label of the DOP (Denominación de Origen Protegida) Catalunya - each individual wine-growing region is an authentic insider tip.
Catalonia Wine: The North
Our journey begins in the north, on the border with France. We are in the DO Empordà, hinterland of the coastal strip and Spain's oldest wine-growing region. Correctly combined: Already the Greeks were tempted by the Mediterranean climate to cultivate grapes here. North winds from the Pyrenees provide cooling. The soils are calcareous, far above interspersed with granite. Do you like it sweet? Empordà does too - and serves you its Garnatxas, which bring back memories of Banyuls from French Roussillon. Further inland, strong temperature fluctuations and low rainfall dominate the weather. We are in DO Costers del Segre: limestone soils with a fine granite imprint conjure up aromatic white wines, dense red and fruity rosés. West of the capital Barcelona, the monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat is enthroned between steep cliffs. Nomen est Omen in the 600 hectare tiny DO Pla de Bages: Monasteries have been cultivating wine on clay and sandy soils since the Middle Ages.
Catalonia Wine: On the way south
Conca de Barbera strives for excellence on 5800 hectares with interesting white, rosé and red wines from regional and international grape varieties. Wine lovers from all over the world visit this region as well as art nouveau fans, as six wineries present this style of wine. Geographically, this wine growing area is also attractive because it is situated in the crater basin - with vineyards at 350 to 600 metres above sea level. Rather thirsty for a sparkling white wine? Head south, towards the coast: here the tranquil Montsant beckons, but it can also be red, spicy, strong, rich in tannins and alcohol. Right next door, Terra Alta has ambitions for global fame: Catalonia's second largest producer benefits from a climate mix of Mediterranean and continental. In addition, the clay and gravel plateau is surrounded by humid Garbi and dry Mistral. Ideal conditions for grape varieties such as Macabeo, Garnacha Blanca, Tinta and Carinena, but also new varieties such as lush red Caladoc, Marselane and Petit Verdot.
Catalonia Wine for the Pope
Hot sun, lime, 7,000 hectares: this is Tarragona, third largest D.O. and wine region since ancient times. The Garnacha, Carinena and Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo) varieties dominate. The result: Aromatic red wines with strength and structure, also available kosher. And light, fruity white wines. But did you know that Tarragona's tasty liqueur are also known worldwide as mass wines, so that even the Pope is supplied? DOCa Priorat also stands for exclusivity. Wine connoisseurs know what that means: Denominación de Origen Calificada carries besides Priorat only Rioja! Precious Garnacha and Mazuelo vines grow on slate soils on the steepest vineyards in Europe. For excellent reds of at least five years of bottle ripening - because good reputation obliges.
Big, bigger, Penedès: home of Cava
DO Penedès: Ascending from the coast we drive via Bajo and lower Medio up to Alta-Penedès at 850 metres. With more than 26,000 hectares of vineyards, this is the largest wine-growing region in Catalonia and is the centre of sparkling wine and home of Cava. Cava matures in bottle fermentation from the grape varieties Xarel-lo (for body and character), fruity fresh Macabeo and elegant Parellada or more rot-proof Chardonnay. Cava tastes soft, fresh, slightly fruity and yeasty, without obtrusive acidity. The famous Miguel Torres winery is also located in Penedès. If you need more proof that quantity and quality go hand in hand - Torres can provide it all! And delivers inexpensive wines for beginners as well as rare, award-winning top wines.
Torres & more! Catalonia Wine - pleasure for pioneers and connoisseurs
In 1870 Jaime Torres returned from Cuba as a wealthy man to start the first winery at Vilafranca del Penedès. From 1940 Torres was already promoting his wines in the USA. Coronas, Viña Sol and Sangre del Toro are true classics. Since the 1960s, state-of-the-art cellar technology, stainless steel tanks and temperature-controlled fermentation have been standard. Since then, grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling and Gewürztraminer have been mixing up the Spanish and global wine world. So countless awards pave the way for Miguel Torres. VINELLO will be happy to give you a taste of his Reserva Real Penedès, made from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Mmm... bright ruby red, ripe berry fragrance, dark chocolate, silky tannin structure. And then: a long, velvety finish with a spicy aftertaste. Or a Milmanda Chardonnay, shining golden yellow, for a romantic seductive dinner. The aromatically dense bouquet of Torres' pure Milmanda smells of apples and almonds with great length ... - Come on, simply experience wines from Catalonia for yourself!
Discover wines from Catalonia online on VINELLO
Enjoy Catalonia's top wines at low prices from our online shop. At VINELLO you will find a representative selection of the winemakers and wineries from Catalonia. With us you can shop safely and look forward to a fast delivery of your order. We also offer you a variety of payment options from which you can choose your preferred method of payment.
Another advantage with VINELLO is that our sommeliers are at your disposal by telephone for a detailed consultation to introduce you to the world of Catalan wines. This makes it easier and quicker for you to find your favourites, whether for a special occasion, an evening with friends or for your own private enjoyment.
