Brief description of Catalan wines

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

History

Archaeological excavations show that the first winemakers in these territories were the Phoenicians, who successfully exported their wine to the Egyptians as early as the XNUMXth century BC. BC. Then the Romans became the owners of the territory, and until the fall of the Roman Empire in the XNUMXth century AD. local winemaking has developed successfully. The ensuing period of decline ended only in the XNUMXth century with the development of monasteries. Written sources of that 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 XNUMXth century played into the hands of the region: Catalan and Rioja wines replaced the more popular French counterparts on the market.

In 1872, the sparkling wine Cava was invented in the Penedès region, which quickly gained worldwide fame. By the end of the 80th century, 20% red grapes and 70% white grapes were grown in Catalonia. The phylloxera that reached the region changed this proportion to 30/XNUMX.

In the 1979th 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 1970, when a discreetly slipped bottle of Torres XNUMX Gran Coronas Black Label won first place in a Bordeaux wine competition.

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

Climate and geography

Vineyards in Catalonia are located on the Mediterranean coast in northeastern Spain. A warm, moderately rainy climate prevails, with the distance from the sea line, the amount of precipitation decreases. Most DOC appellations are located south of Montserrat, small plantations are 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).

Indigenous varieties:

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

Varieties traditional for the region:

• Garnatxa (aka Garnacha or Grenache);
• Malvasia;
• Monestrell;
• Moscatell (aka Moscatel);
• Parellada;
• Samson;
• Tempranillo (он же Tempranillo).

International varieties:

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

Wine regions of Catalonia

Catalonia has 9 DO (denominacio d’origen, name protected by origin) and one DOQ (denominacio d’origen de qualitat, quality protected by origin) regions.

Alella DO (Alley). The region next to Barcelona received DO status in 1956. It produces white sweet and dry wines, the main grape variety is Pansa blanca (locally called Charello). The region of Catalonia (Catalunya) also has DO status, DO Cava owns appellations that produce Catalan sparkling wine. Representative: Marques de Alella.

Conca de Barberà DO (Horse де Barbera). Bordered by 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, and the autochthonous variety Trepat is used for the production of rosé wine.

Costers del Segre DO (Costers del Segre). The region near the city of Lleda, running along the river Segre. It is a dry zone with strong temperature fluctuations. Due to the proximity of the river, the vineyards are well irrigated. Brands: Raimat, Castell del Remei.

Emporda DO (In import). Located in the northeastern part of Catalonia at the foot of the Pyrenees, on the border with the 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 XNUMXth century. The main varieties are Grenache and Carignan, Emporda specializes in red and rosé wines.

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

Pla de Bages DO (Pla де Badges). The region northwest of Barcelona is not unlike nearby Penedes and specializes in the same autochthonous varieties, but focuses more on “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-growing center since Roman times. Tarragona specializes in red fortified wines, like port wine, since the 1960s dry whites have been produced here. Representative: DeMuller.

Terra Alta DO (Terra Viola). The most southern and hilly 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 establish export supplies of wine to France affected by phylloxera. It is divided into three subzones: lower, central and upper Penedes (Baix Penedes, Central Penedes, Alt Penedes). It produces fortified red wines from Malvasia and Muscat, sparkling wine Cava, dry red from a wide variety of varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and others. At the foot of the mountains lies the Penedes Superior area, which specializes 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 Carinyena and Garnatxa varieties. A very hot Mediterranean climate has been established here, thanks to which the berries have time to fully ripen and the wine is 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.

Features

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

Categories of Catalan wines

Catalonia has the same system as the rest of Spain:

1. Table wines. They are drunk young, only the grape variety is indicated on the bottle.
2. Roble. Aged in barrel for up to six months.
3. Crianza. Aging from two years, at least six months – in an oak barrel.
4. Reserve. Three years of aging, at least a year in oak barrels.
5. Gran Reserva. Aged for at least five years, at least two years in oak barrels.

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