Catalonia

Appellations of Catalonia

Montsant DO

Montsant is an increasingly exciting red wine appellation in Catalonia. Enveloping the unique soils of Priorat the area has become highly regarded for its excellent value and relatively modest prices.

Priorat DOCa

Priorat is one of Spain’s most important red wines. Second, perhaps, only to Rioja, Priorat boasts incredibly complex, concentrated wines made a blend of Garnacha and Cariñena.

Alella DO

One of the smallest appellations in Spain, Alella is a is home to red and white wines made on the outskirts of Barcelona in Catalonia. Around nine wineries operate here using a vast range of different varieties.

Catalunya DO

Located in the northeast of a Spain, Catalunya DO launched officially from the 2001 vintage and covers winemaking across the region of Catalonia. With more than 43,000 hectares under vine and an extensive list of permitted grape varieties, there is a huge variation in style and quality. Nevertheless, the appellation represents an important vehicle for the promotion of Catalonian wines internationally.

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Conca de Barberà DO

This small, obscure Denominación de Origen for wines in Spain’s Catalonia region was given its official appellation status in 1985. Enjoying a broadly Mediterranean climate with some continental influences, Conca de Barberà is characterised by warm summers and mild winters. Today, most of the grapes grown here are used in the production of Cava wine, with the most significant grape variety - the indigenous Trepat - used to produce sparkling Cava Rosado.

Costers del Segre DO

Costers del Segre DO in the north of Catalonia produces red and white wines from both international varieties and more traditional Catalan varieties such as Parellada and Macabeo. Summers are scorchingly hot, while winters are cold and harsh.

Empordà DO

Located in the north east of Spain on the border with France’s Roussillon region, Empordà is known for producing red wines from Garnacha, or Garnaxta as it is spelt in Catalan. Two sub zones influence style, Alta Empordà Ont eh slopes of the Alberes Rodes and the Baix Empordà to the south, on the slopes of the Montgri and Gabarres massifs. Its proximity and shared culture to Roussillon also provides a long heritage of fortified wines, although these are harder to find.

Penedès DO

Pla de Bages DO

The small appellation of Pla de Bages was created in 1995 to recognise the wines produced around the Catalonian town of Manresa. The area is home to the almost forgotten variety of Mandó, as well as the traditional grapes of the region such as as Carinyena. It is also home to red and white Picpoul, known here as Picapoll.

Tarragona DO

Established in the 1940s, Tarragona is a Denominación de Origen for wines in Spain’s Catalan region. The area’s reputation for sweet wines goes back many years, but nowadays - perhaps in response to a change in demand - Tarragona DO produces a variety of styles including dry red, white and rosé wines and the fortified wines for which it was once widely known. A large proportion of Tarragona’s production also goes into making Spain’s famous sparkling wine, Cava. Since the turn of this century, the appellation has been divided into two distinct areas with markedly different climates and typography, hence facilitating its diverse wine offer.

Terra Alta DO

Terra Alto is a Denominación de Origen for wines in the Catalonia region of Spain. Established in 1972, the area has a long history of winemaking, although until more recent years, the wines produced here were predominantly consumed by locals. Today, the number of growers and producers here continues to increase, and many of the wineries are built in a distinctive modernist style. Climatically, the region experiences significant variation between seasons, with long hot summers replaced by cold winters and temperatures plummeting below zero. Red, white and rosé wines are permitted under the label, from a range of grapes including Garnacha (Garnatxa), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Macabeo, Sauvignon Blanc and Pedro Ximénez.

Appellations of Catalonia

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