What wine to buy in Catalonia. Wine list of Catalonia

Spain became famous for its wines back in the days of the ancient Romans, and today it is one of the three main world wine suppliers - along with France and Italy. Russian tourists know sherry, malaga, and sangria very well. But the noble wines of Catalonia from the Priorat and Penedes regions are not yet familiar to everyone. In the wine supermarkets of Barcelona, ​​Tarragona, Girona, the eyes run wild, because the shelves with wines go almost endlessly. Our wine cheat sheet will help you choose: what to try on vacation, what to bring home, what to give to friends and relatives.

Wine phrasebook

The first thing a tourist planning to visit Catalonia should learn is the magic words DO (Denominación de Origen) And D.O.Ca (Denominación de Origen Calificada, also found DOC And DOQ). The first means wines with a denomination of origin, and the second means wines with a well-deserved denomination of origin, of higher quality. In other words, these are wines produced in specific wine regions. There are only two DO.Ca regions in Spain - Rioja and Priorat, and the second is located in Catalonia. Another famous Catalan wine region is Penedés, which has given the world such famous brands as Torres, Codorníu and Freixenet. On wine shelves in supermarkets and on bottle labels it is usually marked as follows: D.O.Ca.Rioja,D.O.Ca. Priorat, DO Penedes.

The wine regions of Catalonia Alella, Tarragona, Montsant are also worth attention, but are not highly valued. But it is worth noting other Spanish regions, wine from which can be bought in Catalonia:

• La Rioja
• Rías Baixas (Galicia),
• Ribera del Duero (Castilla y Leon),
• Toro (Castile and Leon)
• Jerez (Andalusia),
• Malaga (Andalusia)
• Jumilla (Murcia).

The second important word on the label is the age of the wine. The price of wine, of course, increases with aging.

• Crianza: Aging for at least two years, of which at least 6 months in oak barrel. If it is white or rose wine, then the aging is a little less, a year in total.
• Reserva: aging for at least three years, of which at least a year in barrel; for kava - 15 months.
• GranReserva: aging for at least five years, of which 1.5 years in oak barrel; for kava - 30 months.

On new wine, look for the words: vinojoven or sincrianza.

And the third thing you should pay attention to is the grape variety from which the wine is made. On the labels you can find the familiar red varieties Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir and white varieties: Chardonnay, Sauvignon. People who have never met before may also meet:

• Syrah(Shiraz) - red and rose wines: dark, densely colored, with different berry notes depending on the region of ripening;
• Garnacha(Grenache) - red and rosé wines: less intense color and more intense aroma. Grenache rosé is especially good, with a light, fruity flavor.
• Viura(Viura), also called Macabeo - white wines: a grape variety characteristic of Catalonia. It is used to make white Rioja and Cava.

It is difficult to confuse red with white and rose wine on store shelves, but if you need to ask the seller or look for a sign with your eyes, remember: red wine in Spanish - tinto, white - blanco, and pink - rosado.

The art of tasting

Any Catalan resort, even a small one like Santa Susanna, must have a wine supermarket or cellar. Here you can buy wine not only in bottles, but also on tap from large wooden barrels - at least a liter, at least five liters for a large company. However, an acquaintance with traditional Catalan wine should be arranged solemnly so that it is remembered for a long time. Then, in the future, every time you feel a familiar taste on your tongue, you will immediately remember the most beautiful views, lush vineyards, the sounds of the Spanish rumba or the flashing of colorful skirts to the rhythms of flamenco.

The process of wine tasting in Catalonia is also unusual. There is a good chance that the drink will be served to you in a special vessel called a porrón. This is a transparent glass decanter, slightly curved, with a long spout on the side. You are supposed to drink from the porron without touching the spout with your lips, but directing the stream from it into your mouth: not an easy task for a beginner! British writer George Orwell, author of the dystopias Animal Farm and 1984, writes with humor about his acquaintance with this Catalan tradition: “We drank from a terrible thing - a porron. A porron was something like a glass bottle with a narrow neck, from which wine flowed in a strong stream when tilted. You can drink from the porron at a distance, without bringing the neck to your lips, passing it around. But for the first time I saw the porron in action, I went on strike and demanded a mug."(documentary story “In Memory of Catalonia”).

Catalan wines are produced in the region of the same name in Spain, sometimes including wines from the French province of Roussillon, which used to be part of Catalonia.

Story

Archaeological excavations indicate that the first winemakers in these territories were the Phoenicians, who successfully exported their wine to the Egyptians back in the 6th century. BC. Then the Romans became the masters of the territory, and until the fall of the Roman Empire in the 4th century AD. local winemaking developed successfully. The period of decline that followed only ended in the 14th century with the development of monasteries. Written sources from the time describe the wines of Catalonia as full-bodied, rich, so strong that they needed to be diluted with water.

The phylloxera epidemic that broke out in Europe in the 19th century played into the region’s hands: Catalan ones replaced the previously more popular French analogues on the market.

In 1872, in the Penedès region, it was invented, which quickly gained worldwide fame. By the end of the 19th century, 80% of red grapes and 20% of white grapes were grown in Catalonia. Phylloxera, which reached the region, changed this proportion to 70/30.

Cava – Catalan sparkling wine

In the 20th century, Catalonia became the most advanced wine region in Spain: innovative technologies are used here, not only autochthonous, but also international varieties are planted. The province attracted particular attention in 1979, when a secretly slipped bottle of Torres 1970 Gran Coronas Black Label took first place at the Bordeaux wine competition.

Catalonia accounts for 25% of all wine production in Spain; more than 380 million bottles are produced annually in this region.

Climate and geography

The vineyards in Catalonia are located on the Mediterranean coast in northeastern Spain. A warm, moderately rainy climate prevails; as you move away from the sea line, the amount of precipitation decreases. Most of the DOC appellations are located south of Montserrat, with small plantations concentrated north of Barcelona near the Pyrenees. The zone is characterized by a variety of soils.

Grape varieties

Catalonia produces sparkling Cava, white wines and strong reds, also called black (vi negre in the local dialect).

Autochthonous varieties:

• Macabeu (aka Macabeo or Viura in the Rioja region);
• Xarello (aka Pansa blanca in the Alella zone);
• Picapoll;
• Sumoll.

Catalan winemakers prefer local grape varieties

Varieties traditional for the region:

• Garnatxa (aka Garnacha or Grenache);
• Malvasia;
• Monestrell;
• Moscatell (aka Moscatel);
• Parellada;
• Samso;
• Ull de llebre (aka Tempranillo).

International varieties:

• Cabernet Sauvignon;
• Pinor Noir;
• Syrah;
• Merlot;
• Riesling;
• Chardonnay;
• Sauvignon Blanc;
• Cabernet Franc.

Wine regions of Catalonia

In Catalonia there are 9 DO regions (denominacio d'origen, protected designation of origin) and one DOQ (denominacio d'origen de qualitat, quality protected by origin).

Alella DO(Aleyla). The region near Barcelona received DO status in 1956. Sweet and dry white wines are produced here, the main grape variety being Pansa blanca (local name Xarello). The Catalunya region itself also has DO status; DO Cava belongs to the appellations that produce Catalan sparkling wine. Representative: Marques de Alella.

Conca de Barberà DO (Horse-drawn de Barbera) . Bordering the regions of Costers del Segre, Penedes and Tarragona, the vineyards are located at an altitude of approximately 500 meters above sea level. Summers are hot, but with cold nights, winters are frosty. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grow on limestone soils; the autochthonous Trepat variety is used to produce rosé wine.

Costers del Segre DO (Costers del Segre) . Region near the city of Lleda, running along the Segre River. This is a dry area with strong temperature changes. Thanks to the proximity of the river, the vineyards are well irrigated. Brands: Raimat, Castell del Remei.

Emporda DO(Empordà). Located in the north-eastern part of Catalonia at the foot of the Pyrenees, on the border with French Roussillon. The region has a Mediterranean climate with strong winds. The zone was seriously damaged during the phylloxera epidemic and was finally restored only at the end of the 20th century. The main varieties are Grenache and Carignan, Empordà specializes in red and rose wines.

Montsant DO(Monsant). The region separated from Tarragona in 2001 and the vineyards are located on steep hillsides. The wines are similar in style to their analogues from Priorat, but are distinguished by lower degrees and a milder taste. Famous brands: Acustic and Acustic Brao, Mas Perinet Gotia, Can Blau.

Pla de Bages DO (Pla de Budges) . The region, northwest of Barcelona, ​​is not much different from nearby Penedes and specializes in the same indigenous varieties, but pays more attention to “international” grapes like Cabernet and Merlot.

Tarragona DO(Tarragona). The region is located around the city of the same name and has been an important wine-producing center since Roman times. Tarragona specializes in red fortified wines, like port, and since the 1960s, dry white wines have been produced here. Representative: De Muller.

Terra Alta DO (Terra Alta) . The southernmost and hilliest wine region of Catalonia, located south of Priorat. The main grape variety is Grenache Blanc. Representative: Castillo Perelada.

Penedes DO(Penedes). The largest wine-growing region of Catalonia, the birthplace of Cava, one of the first Spanish regions to export wine to France, which suffered from phylloxera. It is divided into three subzones: lower, central and upper Penedes (Baix Penedes, Central Penedes, Alt Penedes). Here they produce fortified red wines from Malvasia and Muscat, sparkling Cava wine, dry red from a wide variety of varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and others. At the foot of the mountains is the Penedes Superior area, specializing in white wines. There is no single characteristic style. Brands: Grammona Gessami, Naveran, Pares Balta.

Priorat DOQ(Priory). The most famous wine region of Catalonia, famous for its unique wines from rare autochthonous varieties Carinyena and Garnatxa. A very hot Mediterranean climate has established itself here, thanks to which the berries have time to fully ripen and the wine turns out to be very strong (up to 18%). A distinctive feature of the zone is low yield, the wine comes out truly rich and unique. Representatives: Badeceli, Cims de Porrera Classic, Epileg.

Peculiarities

Despite its rather modest size, Catalonia is distinguished by a rich variety of terroirs, so it is also difficult to bring the wines of the region “to a common denominator”. However, some common features can still be traced:

1. Priority to the Garnacha and Carginan varieties, minimal use of the Tempranillo variety, popular in other parts of Spain.
2. Full bodied, high alcohol content.
3. High quality, comparable to the best examples of noble French wines, at a much more affordable price.

Catalan wine categories

Catalonia has the same system as the rest of Spain:

1. Table wines. Drink young; only the grape variety is indicated on the bottle.
2. Roble. Aging in barrel for up to six months.
3. Crianza. Aging for two years, at least six months in an oak barrel.
4. Reserva. Three years of aging, at least a year in oak barrel.
5. Gran Reserva. Aging for five years, minimum two years in oak barrel.

With aging, the bouquet becomes more complex and interesting, tannin notes appear in the taste, and with prolonged aging they soften.

The revolution in modern Spanish winemaking began in Catalonia, the most northeastern region of Spain. At its origins was Miguel Torres from Penedès, who presented a number of highly interesting wines created in the style of new trends to the French Gault-Millau Wine Olympics. As a result, in an atmosphere that mixed mistrust and unbridled enthusiasm, a group of 27 Frenchmen and only two Spaniards unanimously recognized the 1970 Torres Gran Coronas Black Label as the best wine in the prestigious cabernet category, giving it preference over the selected wines presented from Bordeaux . Thanks to the resounding success of Torres, Catalonia and the rest of Spain followed him.

The changes were dramatic, and they occurred over the next decade and a half. Torres's name and the direction he took influenced the company's marketing efforts in Chile, and this unexpectedly pointed the way forward for the Chileans as well. However, I have my doubts about Catalonia. Somehow the revolution doesn't live up to expectations. I would not like to be disappointed in Catalonia - I have been singing the praises of Torres wines for many years - and yet now they seem less interesting than they could be.

Perhaps the fact is that Catalonia still remains thoroughly permeated with a feudal spirit. This is an area of ​​small peasant farms that produce unleavened grapes for cheap sparkling and table wines. If Catalonia intends to become an area where innovation is widely and truly implemented, then it should pay attention to the numerous private producers who give preference to quality.

The Costers del Segre DO area was created to facilitate the extensive activities of the Raimat company to the west of Lleida. The Raimath vineyards are officially classified as experimental, and it is difficult to understand how these vineyards, dry and sweltering in the summer and freezing in the winter, will manage without irrigation. The grape varieties here are a mix of climate-resistant Spanish varieties like Tempranillo, Parellada and Macabeo, along with international stars like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. .

The innovations have not spared tiny Alella, which is compensating for the increased population outflow to the cities by changing the style of white wines: from sweet and barrel-aged to young, energetic and fresh. Worth noting here are the Marques de Alella, wines with nutty and apricot tones, not entirely dry and very good. Similar changes were taking place in Ampurdan-Costa Brava, close to the French border. Once upon a time, the main style of wine here was heavy, in the style of "rancio", "garnacha"; now, in addition to many inexpressive rosés, there are a certain number of decent ones, in the new Vi Novell style. Not stunning, of course, but this is a sign that the region has finally realized that the Costa Brava with crowds of tourists is very close.

Another legendary DO region of Catalonia is Priorato. The wine from this area remains unusual, dark and unchanged over time. It has a minimum alcohol content of 13.5 percent, high by any standard, and the wines from low-yielding vines are extremely concentrated. Top producers: Clos Erasmus, Clos Martinet, Clos Mogodor and Scala Dei. In Teppa Alta and Tarragona, sweet fortified wines are gradually giving way to light, dry wines. Tarragona sells most of its wine in bulk for blending or processing into sparkling cava. Conca de Barbera also produces many of the main wines for the sparkling wine factories. Although Torres' tentacles have also reached here - the company has vineyards here with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet.

Let's move to Penedes. Thanks to Torres, this is one of the first places in Spain to implement the concept of stainless steel and cold fermentation that has since taken over the entire country. Torres was one of the first to plant international grape varieties and crossbreed them with local grapes. Penedès still produces more varieties of vines than most areas of Spain. In the warm coastal region, hot-climate varieties like Monastrella or Garnacha grow, and the wines tend to become run-of-the-mill and largely heavy. Continuing deeper and higher towards Copper Penedès, you come across vineyards with Macabeo, Xarello and Parellada, dedicated to extensive Cava production. There is also Cabernet and Tempranillo. Further inland, the terrain rises in Penedès Superior, with temperatures dropping enough to grow Parellada, Chardonnay, Riesling and even Gewürztraminer varieties. Top producers: Rene Barbier, Can Rifols dels Caus, Cavas Hill, Ferret i Mateu, Jean Leon, Masfa Bach, Mont Marcal, Jaume Serra, Torres and Vallformosa.

What do I think about kava? I've always been wary of this fizzy drink. Too often it could taste like roots, it could age prematurely. But among cava there are now many good wines, and more than there used to be. The use of Chardonnay has had good results to add some style to local grape varieties, usually used in a blend of the above mentioned grapes. Macabeo adds acidity and a little flavor; "xarello" gives earthiness and alcohol, while "parellada" gives a certain floral undertone. The best producers: Cavas Hill, Codornfu, Conde de Caralt, Juve y Camps, Marques de Monistrol, Mont Marcal, Raimat, Rovellats, Segura Viudas. Kava should be drunk young. Although it is made using the Champagne method, this wine is not aged like Champagne. Cava can be produced in different places in Spain - there are 159 villages licensed to produce it - but the majority comes from Catalonia.

CLASSIFICATION

Catalonia has the most varied winemaking in Spain, with a large number of DO wines as well as sparkling cava. Many of the most interesting still wines these days are produced outside the DO rules.

ORGANIZATION

In most of Catalonia, cooperatives play a primary role. If Catalonia is to progress qualitatively, it needs even more enterprising small-scale winegrowers.

READING THE LABEL

Some of the best Catalan wines are not DO wines and may indicate the grape variety or style of wine on their labels. Sparkling cavas are labeled according to their sugar content, ranging from Brut (Brut Nature or Brut), then dry (Seco), semi-dry (Semi-seco) and semi-sweet (Semi-dulce) to very rich sweet (Dulce). Tarragona and Priorato still produce small amounts of ramio type wine - sweet and highly oxidized.

ABOUT TASTE

The bouquets of Catalan wines vary enormously - from sharp, fresh whites and expressive reds aged in oak barrels to the traditional sweet Moscatel aromas of old Sitges and Tarragona. Some of the flavors are familiar—for example, the vanilla of new oak mixed with the nutty, tropical fruit flavor of Chardonnay or the bright blackcurrant aroma of Cabernet Sauvignon—but some of the most original wines are those that blend Spanish grape varieties with more international varieties. The Torres company has gotten good at this: for example, its Gran Vina Sol Green Label mixes Parellada with Sauvignon Blanc. Kava becomes more and more fresh. Don't expect a bready champagne note: instead, taste a fresh, sketchy, dry fruity aroma, but be prepared for a rooty taste that lingers too long. The best cava almost always contains chardonnay.

GOOD YEARS

In Catalonia there are no significant climate fluctuations that affect the quality of the grape harvest. Differences in harvest years mainly affect red wines, especially those whose grapes are harvested in cooler areas and whose producers strive for greater finesse. In general, red wines age quite well, while white wines almost always do better when they are young. Very good wines were produced in 1998, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the best of which age well; other successful years were 1991 and 1990.

HOW TO DRINK THEM?

Catalan white wines produced by modern winemakers such as Torres or Marques de Alella can rank among the best aperitif wines in Spain due to their fresh, fruity aroma. The local cuisine is more interesting than in much of Spain, thanks in part to Catalonia's cosmopolitan outlook. Red wines are particularly good with local smoked ham, butifarra sausages, poultry and game casseroles and herbed grilled meats. Most white wines pair well with abundant local seafood. Cava is best served as an aperitif.

Catalan reds typically have a rich, fruity aroma, while whites range from dry and crisp to a noble, oaky Chardonnay. Cava wines are often not particularly refined.

INFORMATION FOR BUYER

WHAT AM I PAYING FOR?

Wines from the best producers of north-east Spain are not cheap. The constant rise in prices in Rioja has made these wines not as profitable to buy as they once were. Penedes producers also do not see why they should offer their products at bargain prices, since the quality of their wines is often high. In northeastern Spain it is important to find good producers, since the level of quality of wine is not the same everywhere. The best areas to look for in terms of a good purchase are Priorato and Costers del Segre, both in Catalonia. Young, unoaked red wines from Rioja can also be a good buy.

AVAILABILITY

For basic wines - very good. Rioja is the talk of the town in many countries because it brilliantly filled a quality niche when prices for Bordeaux and Burgundy rose like crazy in the 1970s. Gran Reservas are difficult to find, but many stores stock Crianza and Reserva wines.

Cava is not difficult to find, and Penedes's other still wines are widely sold, especially those from Torres, although the distribution of their higher-end brands is much more limited. Raimat wines are not that difficult to find. Other Catalan wines are exported in much smaller quantities, although the selection is constantly improving.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Milmanda Chardonnay 1998 (“Torres”) quality 9*, price 9*, value 9*.

Good years: Most wines from northeast Spain are sold ready to drink. Dependence on the year of harvest is more common in Rioja than in most of Catalonia. Best years: 1998, 1997, 1996 1995, 1994 1991, 1990.

Notes on taste: Rioja is usually associated with soft, vanilla-flavored red wines, although there are also fresh young reds and bouncy whites.

There are 12 wine regions in Catalonia, 11 of which have been awarded the status D.O (Denominacion de Origen) and 1 region has the status DOC (Denominación de Origen Calificada).

Both of these terms are a guarantee that the wine you are looking at is of high quality, that the wine has been certified by an inspection board and that it meets the highest quality standards.

D.O (Denominacion de Origen)- These are wines controlled by place of origin. The D.O concept is quite multifaceted, it includes many factors, in particular the geographical area, production processes, aging, marketing, etc. Each region has its own council that regulates and controls all processes from grape growing to sales and marketing.

Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOC) or DOCa (for Catalonia) is the highest category awarded to wine, and can only be awarded to those regions where the highest quality wine has been produced for a long time. To receive DOC, a region must be in the DO category for about ten years.

In addition to all the DO requirements for DOC wines, a number of additional ones are put forward, for example, the territory where the vineyards grow, the movement of grapes and wine materials are very strictly controlled (they must not leave the defined boundaries)

There are only 2 wine regions in Spain awarded such a high category: Rioja and Catalan Priorat!

The relief and nature of Catalonia are very diverse, all this affects the production of wine. The wine regions of Catalonia amaze with the variety of varieties and tastes.

D.O ALLEA (Province of Barcelona)

One of the smallest wine regions specializing in the production of white wine. Light aromatic wines with a pronounced fruity taste, these wines are not recommended for long-term storage.
The main grape varieties are Xarello (Pansa Blanca), Pansa Rosada and Garnacha Blanca.
Main manufacturers: Parxet, Roura

Climate: pronounced Mediterranean, mild winters and dry, hot summers.

D.O Ampurdan (cat. Emporda) – Costa Brava (Ampurdan-Costa Brava)

This is the northern region where the strongest Tramontana wind blows in winter. One of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in Catalonia. The soil is dominated by limestone and sandstone. The wine harvest is affected by fog, precipitation and wind: from the south it is humid and bringing rain, and from the north it is gusty and cold. The taste of Ampordanese wines is just as bold and unforgettable.
Young red and white wines are produced here, with rose wine being a special pride, which accounts for up to 60% of the total production.
It is worth mentioning the famous sweet dessert wine Muscatel and the red dessert wine Granatxa Dulce, produced in the traditional way.

The most famous wine producer is Cavas del Castillo de Perelada; the unique climate and local grape varieties make their wines unique.

D.O Cava (Cava)

Sparkling wines arose here, competing with the famous champagne wines. In 1872, the owner of the Codornu cellar produces wine according to traditional champagne technology, using the method of secondary fermentation. The experiment turned out to be successful and soon Catalan sparkling wine began to confidently conquer the world market, providing worthy competition to champagne. The French demanded the adoption of the name champagne to designate Catalan wines, and local producers had to look for another designation, so cava was born, which translated means “wine cellar”, where sparkling wine “ripens”. A distinctive feature of Catalan cava is that it is usually a dry wine; the extra brut and brut nature varieties are considered the most valuable. These varieties are usually served with seafood and meat dishes.
The capital of this region is the city of Sant Sadornu de Anoia, where the vineyards and cellars of such famous brands as Codornu and Freixenet are located.

D.O Catalunya (Catalonia)

Its vineyards occupy almost 60 thousand hectares and there are more than 200 wineries. The climatic diversity of this region and the richness of its soils allow the cultivation of various grape varieties, both traditional and imported from other regions. The wines of this region boast a variety of flavors.

D.O Conca de Barbera

Conca de Barbera is located in the province of Tarragona, in a lowland protected by a natural mountain environment, the fresh climate and limestone soils on which the grapes grow give the wine a unique taste. In addition, this is one of the oldest wine-growing regions; it owes its heyday to the Cistercian monks who came to these lands after the Aragonese kings liberated the territory from Muslim invaders.

The lands were given to monks who were well versed in winemaking, and very soon the region became prosperous. The most ancient traditions, combined with modern technologies and methods, make it possible to produce the most interesting wines. The region is famous for its white, rose, and red wines, mostly young and light wines. Rose wines, made from the local Trepat grape variety, deserve special attention.

D.o Costers del Segre

It is located in the province of Leida and runs along the Segre River. Limestone soils covered with sand predominate here, and the climate is sharply continental, dry and hot. The wine has a special tart taste.
White wines deserve special attention and are recommended to be served with river trout.

DO Montsant (Monsant, "holy mountain")

A very young region, located in the southwest of Catalonia, which has already established itself very well. Clay and limestone soils predominate; in some places you can find soils of granite origin. Rainfall is not uncommon for this region, which increases the productivity of the vines. Granacha is a favorite variety of local winemakers, producing rich wines with a stunning dark ruby ​​hue and a strong, vibrant flavor.

D.O Penedes

It is rightfully considered the cradle of Catalan winemaking, one of the most famous and interesting wine regions of Catalonia and one of the largest. In total, we can talk about 110,000 hectares of vineyards, which are located at different altitudes; this heterogeneity of relief from small hills to the majestic mountains of Montserrat allows the cultivation of not only grape varieties traditional for Catalonia, but also varieties characteristic of northern Europe, such as , Riesling.

In Penedes you can find almost everything, a variety of grapes and wines, white, red, rose, from young light wines to wines with many years of aging. Sparkling wines and the famous Catalan cava are produced here.
In the Penedès region, like nowhere else in Spain, French grape varieties have taken root and are actively cultivated; the Jean Leon winery played a special role in this; for the first time in history, its owner began to produce Catalan wine from French grape varieties grown on local soils.

The former village of Villa Franca del Penedès, once owned by the French, and today the wine capital of the region, welcomes many tourists.

The city is located in the very center of wine-growing Catalonia. Visitors have fun while taking a ride on a special road train through the “tunnel of scents.” Here you can smell the real eno-Catalunya: the aroma of plums, blackberries and citrus fruits, mixed with the smell of the sea.

This is where the world-famous Wine Museum is located. It occupies an ancient palace dating back to the 14th century. Finding it is not at all difficult; you need to go to the old part of the city and find the Church of St. Mary. The museum itself is located opposite.

Penedès is the birthplace of such world-famous brands as Torres, Codornu, Freixanet.

Torres is the real pride of Spanish and Catalan winemaking; the Torres family has been engaged in this craft for more than three hundred years. The triumphant revival of Spanish winemaking in the 20th century is associated with this brand. Now the wine and brandy known under the Torres brand are known throughout the world.
If we talk about sparkling wines, Catalan cava Codornu and Freixanet are worthy competitors to champagne wines on the world market.

DO Pla de Bages

Located north of Barcelona. It has an arid climate with sharp temperature fluctuations. The vineyards, surrounded on all sides by mountains, occupy a very small area. Grape varieties such as Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are successfully grown here, as well as one of the oldest and unique varieties, Picapoll.
The production of strong red wines flourishes here, and the Picapoll grapes make amazing light white wines.

DOC Priorat

The wines from this region are awarded the DOC category, the highest category that can be awarded to a wine. Let us remind you that in Spain only two such regions, Rioja and the Catalan Priorat, which every year is increasingly replacing Rioja wines. Priorat is located in the center of the province of Tarragona, due to its isolated location it was little known for a long time, meanwhile, thanks to the unique microclimate and ancient traditions, local winemakers created real miracles. Eight centuries ago, Carthusian monks cultivated the lands on these lands and developed winemaking.

The Priory is surrounded by the Monsant mountains, which create its unique microclimate.
Mostly hard, rocky soils prevail here, so there is even a widespread belief that in this region wine is born directly from stone. In general, this region has developed a whole range of natural conditions that make it possible to produce some of the best wines in the world.
About 1,662 hectares are occupied by vineyards, 90% of which are devoted to growing dark varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Merlot.
White wines are produced in limited quantities; they have a rich, heavy taste, an oily structure, and a rich yellow color.

D.O Tarragona (Tarragona)

Winemaking has flourished in this region since the Roman era. The region gained its fame thanks to fortified sweet wines. There is an opinion that the best communion wines are produced here, they are made in the eastern part of the El Camp de Tarragona region. In the west of the region, white wine is preferred; thanks to the proximity of the sea and the rich salty air, the wines are aromatic and fresh.

D.O Tierra Alta

Tiera alta translates as “high land”, as you might guess, the vineyards are located high in the mountains, this is the southernmost region, located almost on the border with Aragon. Continental warm climate, limestone soils drain well.
Here the focus is on growing Granacha Blanca grapes and producing white wines, characterized by aroma and low acidity.

Catalonia is a part of Spain, located in the northeastern part of the peninsula on the border with France. This region with a favorable climate is protected by the sea and the Pyrenees mountains. There is also the region of Northern Catalonia, which belongs to France. At the moment, Catalonia is one of the largest regions of Spain; many guests visit it in order to get acquainted with popular Catalan wines.

History of winemaking in Catalonia

Historians have established that the ancient Phoenicians, who lived on these lands 2.5 thousand years ago, exported wine to Egypt. Later, the Greeks and Romans were involved in winemaking, sending huge quantities of containers of wine to the inhabitants of the Roman Empire. Catalonia has all the conditions for the production of excellent wine - suitable climate, soil, centuries-old traditions and skills. Later, wine production declined. The saviors of the industry were medieval monks who managed to revive the vineyards. For a number of centuries, the centers of wine production were the monasteries of Montserrat and Poblet. To this day, an ancient wine-making complex has been preserved in the Poblet monastery, striking in its size.

In the 18th century, Catalonia was one of the major centers of winemaking, but in the 19th century, the invasion of phylloxera led to a crisis in the industry. Until the middle of the last century, the vast majority of Catalan wines were ordinary, intended for daily consumption. In the last three decades, Catalan winemakers have made significant progress. They completely modernized production, selected new grape varieties, and successfully combined them with local ones.

Wine regions

There are 12 regions involved in winemaking in Catalonia, 11 of which have the status of Denominacion de Origen (D.O), and one - Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOC). This name is assigned to wines that have been certified by the Control Council and meet the highest quality criteria. The proud name DOC goes to alcoholic drinks produced in the Priorat area.

Priorat is surrounded by mountains that maintain a unique microclimate. All this, combined with rocky soils, created the conditions for growing the best grapes in the world, mainly dark varieties - Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Merlot. The wines have a rich, somewhat heavy taste and a peculiar dense consistency.

D.O wine regions:

1. ALLEA is one of the small wine regions that grows grape varieties such as Pansa Blanca, Pansa Rosada and Garnacha Blanca. Parxet and Roura companies specialize in producing sweet and dry white wine with a delicate fruity flavor and aroma.
2. Cava winemakers became famous for producing sparkling wines that could compete with French champagne. Extra brut and brut nature are considered the most valuable. The main wine producers are Codornu and Freixenet.
3. In the northern region of Costa Brava, young wines are produced. A significant part of the production is pink wine, white and red are not so popular. Sandy soil and a fairly humid and windy climate give the grape varieties a unique taste. Wine production is carried out by the company Cavas del Castillo de Perelada.
4. There are more than two hundred wineries in Catalunya; a number of grape varieties are grown here, so the wines produced on the farms are distinguished by a variety of colors and tastes.
5. Conca de Barbera is located in a lowland protected by mountains. This is one of the oldest regions specializing in grape growing. When producing wine, ancient traditions and modern technologies are combined here. The region is famous for its young wines.
6. Costers del Segre has a dry and hot climate; the wine produced here has a tart taste.
7. Montsant relatively recently declared itself as a wine region. Red wines are especially popular, characterized by their rich ruby ​​hue and bright taste.
8. Penedes is one of the largest and oldest wine-growing areas. The vineyards are located in mountainous areas at different altitudes, which makes it possible to cultivate not only local varieties, but also species characteristic of the northern regions. French varieties bear fruit well. This diversity allows us to produce light wines, drinks with many years of aging, and sparkling varieties. Well-known brands are produced here – Torres, Codornu, Freixanet.
9. Pla de Bages has an arid climate with sharp temperature changes. The main share of production is occupied by red wines; light white varieties are made from Picapoll grapes.
10. Tierra Alta vineyards are located high in the mountains in the south of the province. Winemakers grow Granacha Blanca grapes to make white wines that have a distinctive aroma and low acidity.
11. Tarragona has been famous for its wine since the times of the ancient Romans. Sweet fortified wines have gained particular popularity.

DO status reflects the name of the wine at the place of production, takes into account the climate of the region, grape varieties, production processes, and aging.

Each region has its own council that sets these criteria.

Characteristics of Catalan wines

In Spain there is a unified system for dividing wine into categories:

1. Table wines only have the grape variety indicated on the bottle and are drunk young.
2. Wines aged in barrels for about six months are classified as Roble.
3. The Crianza category of drinks is aged for at least 2 years, of which 6 months - in oak barrels.
4. Reserva – aging for 3 years, in oak barrel – one year.
5. Gran Reserva - aging for more than 5 years, in barrel - at least 2 years.

The longer the aging, the more interesting and rich the bouquet of the drink becomes; oak containers add original notes.

Catalan wines are distinguished by a fairly high alcohol content, quality comparable to the best French wines, and an affordable price. It’s easy to choose wine from Catalonia; the taste and bouquet of drinks is amazing in variety. White wines are distinguished by a fresh, sharp taste and light aroma. Red wines aged in oak barrels have a classic bouquet. Wines created using a blending method from different grape varieties emit the smell of vanilla and black currant, oak and fruit aromas.

Not all Catalan wines can be found on the shelves of our stores. However, there is a way out. If you order for a celebration, our employees will deliver a wide variety of alcohol necessary for preparing cocktails and will delight your guests with unique drinks.