Wine: An Introduction - Eat Catalunya

Introduction

Wine: An Introduction

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Catalan culture and wine have been closely linked ever since the Greeks and Romans brought the tradition of grape cultivation to the region. The climate, geography and the variety of grapes makes wine produced in this area very diverse.

Situated in the north of Barcelona, the Catalan capital lies the region which lends its name to the D.O. Alella. This small area located on the Catalan coast is known for its high-quality wines, both white and red. Going back to the time of the ancient Romans, the wines of Alella were already esteemed by that population, and during the Middle Ages they held the honor of being served in oficial events. Today, this small speck of land on the Maresme offers wines with great aroma and with a strong Mediterranean tradition. This variety lets the master appreciate the grape in its most rugged form.

In northern Catalunya the L'Emporda region is home to a D.O. of the same name. It was here where the ancient Greeks introduced grape cultivation which would later extend to the rest of the Iberian peninsula. L’Emporda wines are fresh, fruity and very strong in flavor.

Further south we find the D.O. Conca de Barbera. Here the climate plays an extremely important role, because this is where balmy Mediterranean weather mixes during the day with coger temperaturas of the inland areas. The Francolí river crosses the region, helping create this unique microclimate. The white varieties of Conca de Barbera are made with Chardonnay grapes are and are prized throughout Spain.

One of the most extensive D.O. regions – and one of the most well-known internationally – is the Penedés. This region, filled with rolling plains and situated on the Mediterranean coast is divided into three zones: el Penedes Superior, el Penedes Central and el Bajo Penedes. The warm but mild climate nurtures the cultivation of the tradicional white varietes of the area: Xarelo and Macabeo, as well as the reds: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cariñena and Monastrell. Towards the center of the Penedes region, temperatures are lower, making the area optimal for the production of Cava. The inland zone of the Penedes Superior area is where the Parellada grape is grown, which produces dry white wines.

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