In Willy’s plan we have gone to visit the best wine producing regions of Catalonia, and of course we want to share them with you in this article. Find out more about wines, their appellation of origin and some of the most important wine tourism plans in Catalonia that you can find in this web specialized in wine tasting and visits of the best wine cellars of the Catalan territory.
So, here we are going to talk about the 5 best appellations of origin or DO, if you have to make an excursion or wine tourism visit to Catalonia:
1. DO Priorat
We begin this exquisite wine tasting in Cataloniain the province of Tarragona, where the largest quantity of Priorat denomination wines are grown (wines from this area are known as DOC, or Denominación de Origen Calificada). Denominación de Origen Calificada). This appraisal is known for its maximum quality of qualified origin and is grown in one of the most productive mountainous regions of Catalonia.
Sown on slate soils, better known in the industry as “llicorelles”, this type of mountain wine develops in the midst of mountainous areas with steep slopes, endless wood around it and a dry temperate climate, which is usually very marked, both during the day and at night.
Most of the vineyards in this region are located at altitudes ranging from 100m to 700m above sea level and about 15 hectares are cultivated.°C on average per year. Undoubtedly, a place with long, hot summers and cold winters, which are ideal for its cultivation.
The main protagonists of these red wine elixirs are: the Cariñena grape and the red Garnacha. However, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah grapes are used to a lesser extent. Giving this appellation a beautiful garnet color, an intense aroma that is accompanied by a high alcohol content and a rich, dense flavor that melts on the palate.
While in the white wines, white Grenache, Macabeo and Pedro Ximenez grapes give the sweet and sparkling touch to Priorat wines.
2. DO Penedès
Under the soil of the region that bears the same name, one of the most exquisite wine appellations in Spain is cultivated. Penedès is renowned for producing the best cava in the world and for treating its guests to the best wine tastings in Catalonia.
Its white wines are the favorite of the connoisseurs of this industry, standing out for their attractive lightness, aromatic flavor and irresistible body. Among them are the traditional Xarel-lo, Macabeo, Parellada and the most characteristic of the region such as Malvasia de Sitges, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.
Red wine, although produced in small quantities, is also usually of excellent quality. These are usually light and intense. They are made from Tempranillo, Samsó, Garnacha, Monastrell, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Pinot Noir.
The secret of this appellation lies in the soil rich in phosphorus and potassium, which predominates in the steep hills and valleys that run through the region, reaching the shores of the Mediterranean and the rivers that surround it, which provide a sandy and limestone area for the cultivation of this appellation.
If there is one place you can’t miss out on in this wine tourism getaway in Cataloniais the visit to the wine museum of Vilafranca del Penedés. Here you can learn about the history of the region and the true evolution of the region’s wine and learn how this region became a pioneer in wine control systems and winemaking.
3. DO Alella
Getting to know more about wine tourism in CataloniaWe discovered one of the oldest and smallest DOs in Catalonia. Its origin dates back to the Middle Ages, a time when the wines of this region were the most sought after by the people of Barcelona, for their excellent quality and tradition, preserved over time.
The Alella appellation of origin is characterized by the fine and exquisite ripening of the grapes, which contributes to the wines. The characteristic flavors of this appellation exalt the senses with indescribable smoothness and moderate acidity.
The variety of white wines is infinite. At this stop on our tour of the wine tourism in CataloniaIn our wine cellar, you can find Picapoll, Malvasia, Parellada, Macabeo, Chardonnay, Chenin, Sauvignon and Moscatel wines.
Meanwhile, among the red wines, Merlot, Cabernet Suavignon, Pinot Noir, and some Garnacha negra and peluda based wines stand out: Merlot, Cabernet Suavignon, Pinot Noir and some based on black and hairy Grenache.
Undoubtedly, an appellation to enjoy, to let your senses be carried away and to live unforgettable experiences that only wine tourism can offer. wine tourism can offer you.
4. DO Empordà
In our visit visit to the wineries of CataloniaWe had the pleasure of tasting one of the most exquisite red wine appellations in Spain. To do so, we arrived in the region of Alt and Baix Empordà, in Catalonia.
This region stands out in the wine industry for having more than 2,000 vineyards distributed throughout the region and for having one of the most fertile slate and granite soils in the whole territory.
Likewise, the captivating Catalan geography gives this region everything from alluvial plains to mountainous foothills, which lend their soil to the cultivation of vineyards.
Another of the characteristics of this area is its great climate. With temperatures ranging from 14ºC to 16ºC, most of the year, contributing to the good condition of the vines and giving rise to exquisite wines.
The Do Empordà wine is a very singular wine. It is usually a sweet and truly natural wine, made from Garnacha del Empordà. The variety of grapes allows the cultivation and production of wines, such as: cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, monastrell, syrah, tempranillo and garnacha peluda.
White wines, on the other hand, include Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Malvasía, Moscatell de Grano Pequeño, Picapoll Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Xarel-lo; from the typical grapes of the region such as: Macabeo, Garnacha Blanca and Muscat of Alexandria.
5. DO Montsant
Last but not least, we come to the Montsant appellation of origin. This type of wine is characterized by its high degree of mistela and its particular rancio flavor. Both white and red wines, the alcohol content of these wines is usually between 15% and 20% and most of them are based on Garnacha and Cariñena grapes.
Like many regions of Catalonia, this appellation is grown on granitic and slate soils, between 200 and 700 meters above sea level, with average temperatures of 15ºC for most of the year.
The main attraction of Montsant wines is the Grenache and Carignan grape varieties, which define the identity of most of the territory, providing a very seductive red wine variety. Among the variety of wines that can be tasted in this region are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Monastrell and Tempranillo.
If we talk about white wines, we highlight those made from white Grenache and Macabeo, such as Chardonnay, Pansal and Perallada. While some rosé wines are made from local syrah and garnacha.
Montsant is undoubtedly a magnificent region, to enjoy the best offers of wine and cheese tasting in wine and cheese tasting in Catalonia.Montsant has more than 70 wineries, including agricultural cooperatives and family businesses.
Don’t stay with the desire and treat yourself to a wine tasting in Catalonia that you will never forget.
