It’s not too often you can mix preserved history, vast and plentiful vineyards of many varietals, and a welcoming attitude from the winemakers themselves, as you can experience in the region of Catalunya.
What’s Catalunya Wine Country About?
Location
Catalunya is a province in the northeast part of Spain, with the Mediterranean making its eastern border, and France its northern neighbor. Catalunya is home to two well-known wine regions, Penedes and Priorat, plus features Barcelona, one of the top global cities, as its capital.
History
Wine history is long and deep in Catalunya, with winemaking activities dating back to the time of the Romans and Phoenicians. Catalunya has had notable historical figures, such as Julius Casesar, graces its lands. Caesar was in charge of the region prior to his acension as Emperor, based in Tarragona, where architecture from his time is still preserved, and a short drive from the Priorat wine region!
Grape Varieties, DOs & Wines
Catalunya has gain acclaim for Priorat red wines with Grenache and carignan as the primary grapes of choice, with many winemakers in the region returning to traditional methods of production. Top-rated whites and cavas with Xarel·lo as the main varietal employed, with appearances by Macabeo, and Parellada (among others) from the Penedes region.
However, Catalunya is fantastically unique from other regions in the world.
With 10 sub-regions (not counting DO Cava), the variety of the terroir from north to south is as different as it is from east to west. You can try the same varietal in different areas and have vastly different bouquets and flavors.
Also unique is when you step outside of the world of the top production wineries, you’ll be able to rub shoulders with winemakers at smaller wineries, and experience the fantastic hospitality for which Catalans are known.
Travel to Catalunya
This Guest Page was written by Tim Brown of Catalunyawine.com exclusively for Social Vignerons. This is not an endorsement but a content exchange collaboration.
Since it was first published in July 2016, this page has been modified in January 2017.