🇪🇸SPAIN–Catalunya

CATALUNYA IS–   DO.- 10      DOQ. 1     VP.- 0     @Barcelona

  • BLANCO= Forcada(Indigenous), Garnacha Blanca AKA=Garnatxa Blanca, Gonfaus, Macabeo AKA=Viura, Parellada, Subirat AKA=Alarije, Xarello AKA=Cartoixa/ Pansa Blanca
    • –International– Avilla AKA=Piquepoul Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Malvasia de Sitges AKA=Malvasia di Lipari, Malvasia de Manresa AKA=Garganega, Muscat(Frontignan), Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • TINTO= Cinsault AKA=Sinso, Garnatxa AKA=Garnacha, Garnacha Peluda, Garro, Tempranillo AKA=Ull de LLebre, Monastrell AKA=Mourvedre, Mando AKA=Garro, Moneu(Indigenous), Pirene, Querol, Samso AKA=Mazuelo/ Caragnan, Picapoll Negro, Sumoll(Indigenous), Trepat, Trobat
    • –International– Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Vitis Riparia, Vitis Rupestris, Zinfandel

GEOGRAPHY– Spain(North-East), REGION-Catalunya, On~Coast/ Mediterranean~Sea~

  • PROVINCES-Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, Tarragona
  • BORDERS-France(North-East), Aragon(West), Valenciana(South-West)
  • Sub-Zones/ DO.’s- Alella DO., Cava DO., Conca de Barbera DO., Costers de Segre DO., Emporda DO., Montsant DO., Penedes DO., Pla de Bages DO., Priorat DO., Sitges DO., Tarragona DO., Terra Alta DO.

TOPOGRAPHY– “Flat/ Rolling/ / Hilly/ Mountainous/ Terraces”, On Coast/ Mediterranean~Sea~

  • SLOPES/ (North)Pyrenees Mountains,  Cordilleras Costero-Catalanas
  • SLOPES/ Catalan Central Depression…PARENT RANGE-Montserrat Massif/ Serra de Montsant(West), La Figuera(South), +Alt. 200mt.- 1,300mt.
    • Interior Area- Catalan Central Depression, Adds Protection
    • Coastal Area- Costa Borada(550km. Long)

SOILS– “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Clay, Limestone, Slate

  • LLicorella(Mix…Fractured Black/ Red Slate, Mica Quartzite)
  • Panel(Fossilized Sand-Dunes Soils From Quaternary Period)
  • Tapas(Silty Soils With Clay), Codols(Old River Bed With Pebbles)
  • Saulo(Decomposed Granite)

CLIMATE– “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences

  • *Summers– Hot, Dry   |   *Winters– Cold, Wet
  • +WIND/~El Cierzo~(Originates…Ebro River Valley)
  • +WIND/~Tramontana~(Originates…North)
  • +WIND/~Levant~(Originates…East)

VITICULTURE– ?  ha. Planted

  • Catalunga DO.  Labeled– Refers to Wines Produced Non-Conforming to a DO.
  • Porron- Traditional Glass Wine Pitcher Which Holds .75 Liters.  This Drinking Utensil Which Resembles and Watering Can Allows Multiple People Drink From the Same Communal Drinking Apparatus Without Touching Their Lips. Top of Porro is Narrow and Can Be Sealed With a Cork.

HISTORY–

  • 2,400 Year Wine History, Since Phoenicians and Greek Influence In 400 BC.
    • Viticulture Influences From…Romans/ Knights Templar.
  • 1872 @Penedes– Cava/ Sparkling Wine Produced.
    • Starting In the Mid-1800’s Some Wine Families From Sant Sadurni d’Anoia Started to Use a Newly Difined Winemaking Technique to There Native Grapes and Cava Was Born.

CULTURE–  

  • Catalans/ Catalunya- Ethic Group Native to Catalunya, Modern Day Catalonia & Roussillon, Having Roots In Pyrenees Mountains.  The Area and the People and Language Were Prominent In the Area Since 1200 BC..  During the 1700’s They Were Suppressed as Group Prohibiting Their Language and Culture.  Currently There is a Modern Day Push to Have Their Region and Culture Return and Leave the County of Spain.
    • Catalunya AKA=Catalonia, “Catalunya is Not Spain”, Catalunya Has Unique Language Dialect
    • This is the Mantra of the Residents of Catalunya Who Believe That They Are of Catalunya and Not of Spain Who Took Over Their Autonomy Community In 1800’s.
  • ASSOCIATIONS~ 
    • ~Para la Promocion del Vino de Garnacha~
      • Mission~ To Improve Quality Standards and to Promote 5 DO.’s as the Cradle of Garnacha…Calatayud DO., Campo de Borja DO., Carinena DO., Somontano DO. and Terra Alta DO. In Catalunya.
    • ~Catalan Agricultural Institute of San Isidro~
      • Mission~ Civil Organization Which Represents Catalan Agriculture/ Viticulture and Helps to Develop and Benefit the Sector.
    • ~Catalan Wine Institute INCAVI.~
      • Mission~ Aims to Promote and Advance Viticultural and Enological efforts Throughout the Region.
  • GASTRONOMY… Alioli, Botifarra, Mushrooms, Catalan Paella, Meat, Seafood
    • CHEESE… Formatge de Tupi,  Garrotxa(Gaot/ Semi-Soft)
  • WINNER “Worlds Best”~ “Barcelona”
    • DtheV.com Awards- “Best Wine City In Europe”  (6th. Place)
    • **Refer to “WINE CULTURE/ Derek’s Top 6 List” For Detailed Information.

**Refer to “SPAIN/ Home” For Detailed Information On Spain as a Country.

**Catalunya Images Courtesy of Delong Maps, Purchase These Maps at Delongwine.com

CATALUNA/ CATALUNYA DO.     @Barcelona

  • GEOGRAPHY- Spain, REGION-Catalunya(Greater)
  • VINICULTURE- DO. Established For Flexibility to Winemakers Who Want to Experiment Outside the Existing Appellation Regulation or Grape Varieties Not Permitted Within the DO.
    • Estate/ Producers-(Not Found Within a Dedicated DO.)– Partida Creus
  • CULTURE- 1999- DO. Officially Established.

EMPORDA DO.    @Figueras

  • BLANCO= Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, Moscatel de Alejandria, Xarel-lo
    • –International– Chardonnay, Muscat, Picapoll Blanco
  • TINTO= Garnacha, Mazuelo, Monastrell, Tempranillo
    • –International– Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- Spain, REGION-Catalunya(East-Coast), PROVINCE-Girona
    • BORDERS-France(North), “Non-Contiguous(2)”
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”, +Alt. 0- 250mt., On~Muga/ Llobregat~Rivers~
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, INFLUENCED/ Mediterranean Sea,
    • +WIND/~Tramontana~(Originates…North)
  • VITICULTURE- 1,790  ha. Planted, (42% White/ 58% Red)
  • VINICULUTRE- Cava- Cava Producing Sub-Zone In Alt Emporda.
    • Estate/ Producers- Castillo Perelada, Espelt, Oriol, Santamaria, Selva De Mar, Vinya Canyal
  • CULTURE- AKA=Costa Brava
    • 1956- DO. Officially Established.
  • SUB-ZONES Of EMPORDA
    • ALT EMPORDA– Geography- Cataluna, Emporda(North)
    • BAIX EMPORDA– Geography- Cataluna, Emporda(South)

PLA De BAGES DO.     @Manresa

  • BLANCO= Macabeo, Parellada, Picapoll
    • –International– Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanco
  • TINTO= Ull de Leibre AKA=Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mando AKA=Garro, Sumoll
    • –International– Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- Spain, REGION-Catalunya(Interior), PROVINCE-Barcelona
    • North-West of Barcelona-City(50km.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley/ Basin”
    • SLOPES/ Pyrenees Mountains, +Alt. 200mt.- 500mt.
    • On~Llobregat/ Cardener~Rivers~
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, With“Continental” Influences
  • VITICULTURE- 480 ha. Planted, (32% White/ 68% Red)
    • Estate/ Producers- Abadal, Collbaix, Masies d’Avinyo, Oller del Mas, Roqueta Campo Lindo
  • SUB-ZONES Of PLA De BAGES
    • CENTRAL BASIN– SLOPES/ ?, +Alt. 200mt., Warmer, Clay Based Soils
    • ALT BAGES– SLOPES/ ?,+Alt. 500mt., Cooler, Limestone Based Soils

SITGES DO.     @Sitges

  • BLANCO= Moscatal
    • –International– Malvasia de Sitges AKA=Malvasia di Lipari
  • TINTO= ?
  • GEOGRAPHY- Spain, REGION-Catalunya, PROVINCE-Barcelona
    • North-West of Barcelona-City(35km.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”
  • VITICULTURE-   ? ha. Planted
  • VINICULTURE- Late Harvest,  Fortified
    • Estate/ Producers- Ovella Negra
  • CULTURE- FESTIVALS~ ~Stiges Wine Harvest~ (October)

ALELLA DO.      @Alella/ Mataro

  • BLANCO= Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo AKA=Viura, Pansa Blanca AKA=Xarello, Parellada, Subirat
    • –International– Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Malvasia, Moscatell de Gra Petit, Picapoll Blanc, Sauvignon Blanco, Viognier
  • TINTO= Garnacha, Garnacha Peluda, Monastrell, Samso, Ull de Llebre AKA=Tempranillo
    • –International– Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- Spain, REGION-Catalunya(Coast-Central), PROVINCE-Barcelona
    • Municipalities-Maresme Valles
    • North-East of Barcelona-City(17km.), CITIES-Mataro
    • Sub-Zones– Coastal Region   |   The “Old” Region   |   The Valley Region
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ Serra de Parpers, +Alt. 50mt.- 260mt.
    • On~Mediterranean~Sea~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Granite, “Sedimentary”, Limestone
    • Saulo(Sand With Granite)
  • VITICULTURE- 225 ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Alella Vinicola(Co.-Op./*1906), Alta Alella, Can Roda(40ha.), Joaquim Batile, Mario Rovira, Marques de Alella, Oriol Artigas, Raventos de Alella, Roura(45ha.)
    • Vineyards- La Prats
  • VINICULTURE- Cava,  Rose
  • CULTURE- 1955- DO. Officially Established.
  • CAVA DO.     @Alella
    • BLANCO= Macabeo, Parellada, Subirat, Xarello
      • –International– Chardonnay
    • TINTO= Garnacha, Trepat, Pansa Rosado
      • –International– Monastrell, Pinot Noir
    • GEOGRAPHY- Spain, REGION-Catalunya, PROVINCE-Barcelona

PENEDES DO.     @St. Sadurni D’Anoia

  • BLANCO= Forcada, Garnacha Blanco, Macabeo, Parellada, Subirat AKA=Alarije, Xarello, 
    • –International– Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewurtztramer, Incrocio Manzoni, Malvasia de Sitges AKA=Malvasia di Lipari, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
  • TINTO= Carinena, Garnacha, Monastrell, Samso, Sumoll, Trepat, Ull de Liebre AKA=Tempranillo
    • –International– Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- Spain, REGION-Catalunya(Coast-Central), PROVINCE-Barcelona
    • East of Barcelona-City(15km.), BORDERS-Tarragona DO.(West)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”, On~Anoia/ Bitlles~Rivers~
    • SLOPES/ Montserrat Mountains(Coster del Bitlles, +Alt. 170mt.- 455mt.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Calcareous, Fossilized Seashells
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”,   *Summers– Warm, Dry   |   *Winters– Mild, Wet
  • VITICULTURE-   ? ha. Planted
    • Vi de Mas–             Gran Vi de Mas–
  • VINICULTURE- Cava,  Espumoso,  SPARKLING…Method Traditional,  Brandy
    • Estate/ Producers- Alta Alella, Calcari(Nat.Pro.), Can Sumoi, Castellroig, Can Feixes, Can Rafols, Celler Credo(Nat.Pro.), L’Enclos de Peralba, Gramona(22ha.), Liopart, Jean Leon, Kripta, Mas Candi, Pardas0(Nat.Pro.), Recaredo(50ha.), Sara i Rene, Savia Viva, Suriol, Torres(Multi-National)
    • Vineyards- Can Romeu, Font Jui, Mas Escorpi, Marcaneta, Montpedros, La Pedro Blanca, La Plana, Serral del Roure, Serral del Vell, La Solana, Tres Feixes
  • CULTURE-  “Penedes”…+Pronounced…“Pen-eh-Dais”
    • Penedes AKA= Comtats de Barcelona
    • “Monks & Monasteries” ~Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey~
    • FESTIVALS~ ~Cavatast/ Festival of Cava~(October)
    • PIONEERS~ ~Miguel Torres~ Founder of Torres Winery In Penedes and Chile.
  • HISTORY- 700 BC.- Phoenicians Brought Wine Culture to Region.
  • SUB-ZONES Of PENEDES
    • BAIX-PENEDES–(Penedes Maritim)– Lower Altitude, Hotter, SOILS– Sandy Soils
      • SUB-REGIONS– Marina del Garraf, Massis del Garraf
    • MEDIO PENEDES–(Penedes Central)–  Central, SOILS– Chalk, Clay
      • SUB-REGIONS– Conca del Foix, Costers de Laverno, Costers del Montmell, Muntanyes d’oraal, Turons de Vilafranca
    • ALT-PENEDES–(Penedes Superior)– +Alt., -Cooler, -Later Harvest, SOILS– Limstone
      • SUB-REGIONS– Alts d’Ancosa, Costers de l’Anoia, Vall Bitlles-Anoia

CAVA DO.     @Sant Sadurni d’Anoia

  • BLANCO= Macabeo, Parellada, Subirat, Xarello
    • –International– Chardonnay
  • TINTO= Garnacha, Trepat, Pansa Rosado
    • –International– Monastrell, Pinot Noir
  • GEOGRAPHY- Spain, REGION-Catalunya, PROVINCE-Barcelona
    • VALLS d’ANOIA-FOIX–   @Sadurni d’Anoia
      • Geography-  REGION-Penedes, SUB-ZONE– Valls d’Anoia-Foix, South of Barcelona(15km.)
      • Topography- SLOPES/ Massis del Garraf, +Alt. 100mt.- 750mt.
        • On~Anoia/ Foix~Rivers~
    • SERRA De MAR–
      • Geography-  REGION-Penedes, SUB-ZONE– Serra de Mar, North of Barcelona
        • North of Barcelona(14km.)
    • CONCA Del GAIA–
      • Geography-  REGION-Penedes, SUB-ZONE– Conca del Gaia, South of Barcelona(20km.)
        • CITIES-
      • Topography- +Alt. 500mt.
    • SERRA De PRADES–
      • Geography-  REGION-Penedes, SUB-ZONE- Serra de Prades
        • CITIES– Barbera de la Conca, Blancafort, L’Espluga de Francoli, Montblanc, Pira, Rocafort de Queralt, Sarah, Solivella, Vilaberd, Vimbodi
      • Topography– SLOPES/ Serra de Prades, +Alt. 350mt.- 600mt.
    • PLA De PONENT–
      • Geography- REGION-Penedes, SUB-ZONE– Pla de Ponent
        • CITIES– L’Aibi, L’Espluga Calva, Fulleda, Guimera, Lleida, Malda, Sant Marti de Riucorb, Tarres,  Verdu, El Vilosell, Vinaixa
      • Topography– SLOPES/ Serra de Prades, +Alt. 200mt.- 400mt.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”
  • VITICULTURE- 33,000ha. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Agusti Torello Mata, Cava Guilera, Codorniu, Frexinet, Gramona, Juve & Camps, Pere Ventura, Raventos, Recaredo, Segura Viudas, Serra Cristalino, Sumarroca, Vin el Cep
  • VINICULTURE- Cava- All, SPARKLING…Method-Traditional
      • Cava is Produced In +150 Villages In Spain, Including Regions of Aragon, Navarre, Valencia, La Rioja, Extramadura, But the Majority and Spiritual Home of Cava is Catalunya.
      • Espumante Isn’t Cava, the Name is Used For Any Sparking Wine Produced Outside of One of the Spains Cava Producing Area.
    • Traditional Cava- (+Aged/ 9mo.)
    • Cava Reserva- (+Aged/ 15mo.)
    • Cava Grand Reserva- (+Aged/ +30mo.)
    • Brut Nature- 0-3 G./ L., Extra Brut 0-6 G./ L., Brut 0-12 G./ L.
    • Corpinnat- 
      • Viticulture- 100 Estate Organic Penedes Grapes, Harvested by Hand.
      • Estate/ Producers- Gramona, Llopart, Mas Candi, Nadal, Recaredo, Sabate i Coca
    • CAVA De PARAJE CALIFICADO- CPC. Identifies Qualified Small Parcels, Single-Estate Cava Producers, Meeting Exacting Criteria.
      • Single-Vineyard Classification, Single Vintage, Requisite Traceability From the Vine to Commercialization.
      • Vines +10 Years Old, Lower Yields(-8,000 kg./ ha.), Brut, Extra Brut, Brut Natural
      • +AGED/ +36 mo./ On Lees
      • Cava Subjected to a Blind Tasting by a Experts, to Ensure General  Expression  of Characteristic to Cava.
      • Estate/ Producers-(9)– Alta Alella Mirgin(Vallcirera), Codorniu Finca La Pleta, Codorniu Finca la Fideuera, Gramona Cellar Batlie, Recaredo Turo d’en Mota, Torello Gran Torello(Can Marti)
      • Vineyards- Castellroig Sabate i Coca, Codorniu/ Finca el Tros Nou, Freixenet/ Can Sala, Juve & Camps/ La Capella, Serral del Vell, Turo d’en Mota, Vins el Cep Claror
  • HISTORY- Until 1959 Cava Was Referred to as Xampany.
  • CULTURE- AKA=Comtats de Barcelona
    • WINE HOLIDAYS~ ~International Cava Day~ (July 12th., 2nd. Friday)
    • PIONEERS~ ~Josep Raventos~ 1872, Produced First Cava In Penenes.
    • FOOD PAIRINGS… Artichokes, Asparagus, Salads, Seafood, Tapas, Fried Foods

TARRAGONA DO.      @Tarragona

  • BLANCO= Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, Moscatel, Parellada, Xarello
    • –International– Chardonnay
  • TINTO= Carinena, Garnacha, Ull de Llebre
    • –International– Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- Spain, REGION-Catalunya(Coast Central), PROVINCE-Tarragona
    • BORDERS-Conca de Barbera(North), Penedes(East), “Non-Contiguous(2)”
    • CITIES– El Pinel
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”, SLOPES/ Serra de Montalt, +Alt. 50mt.- 450mt.
  • VITICULTURE- 4,890 ha. Planted, (38% White/ 62% Red)
    • Estate/ Producers- Baturrica, De Muller, Ipsis, Jordi Llorens, Unio Roca I Mora, Vinyes del Terrer
  • CULTURE- 1947- DO. Officially Established.
  • GOING THERE-
    • Costa Daurada AKA=Golden Coast, Area of Coast In Catalonia Entirely In the the Province of Tarragona.
  • SUB-ZONES Of TARRAGONA
    • RIBERA D’EBRE–(Interior/ Bank or the Ebro River)  
      • SOILS= “Sedimentary”, Calcareous, Alluvial
    • TARRAGONA CAMPO–(Coastal/ Tarragona Plain)  
      • SOILS= “Metamorphic”, Granite

MONTSANT DO.     @Falset

  • BLANCO= Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, Moscatel, Parellada, Xarello
    • –International– Chardonnay, Muscat(Alexandria)
  • TINTO= Carinena, Garnacha, Monastrell, Tempranillo AKA= Ull de Llebre
    • –International– Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- Spain, REGION-Catalunya(South-West), PROVINCE-Tarragona
    • BORDERS-Forms Crescent Shape Around Priorat “C”, CITIES-Falset
    • VILLAGES– La Bisbal de Falset, Cabaces, Capcanes, Cornudelle de Montsant, Falset, La Figuera, Garcia, Guiamets, Marca, Margalef, El Masroig, Pradell de la Teixeta, Torre de Fontaubella, Ulldemolins
    • Sub-Zone- Falset Valley
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”
    • SLOPES/ Montsant Mountains, +Alt. 375mt.- 800mt.
    • On~Montsant/ Siurana~Rivers~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
    • LLicorella(Schist/ Slate), Limestone, Saulo(Decomposed Granite), Clay
  • VITICULTURE- 1850 ha. Planted,  (41% White/ 59% Red)
    • Estate/ Producers- Acustic(Albert Jane’s)(40ha.), Can Blau, Capcanes(Kosher), Celler de Capcanes, Clos de Nit, Coca i Fito, Espectacle del Montsant, Falset Marca, Galilea, I Tant, Joan d’Angura, Llenca Plana, Maria Ganxz, Orto Vins, Terroir Sense Fronteres, Unio, Venus la Universal, Vinyes Domenech
  • CULTURE- 2002- DO. Officially Established.
  • SUB-ZONES Of MONTSANT
    • NORTH-WEST–(Bisbal del Falset, Cabaces, La Figuera, Margalef)
    • SOUTH-WEST–(Darmos, El Masroig, El Molar)
    • SOUTH–(Capcanes, Els Guiamets, Marca, La Serra d’Almos)
    • NORTH-EAST–(Cornudella de Montsant, Ulldermolins)
    • SOUTH-EAST–(Falset, Pradell de la Teixeta, La Torre de Fontaubella)

PRIORAT DOCa.    @Gratallops

  • BLANCO= Macabeo, Picapoll, Garnacha Blanca, Pedro Ximenez, Xarello
    • –International– Chenin Blanc, Viognier
  • TINTO= Garnatxa AKA=Garnacha 40%, Carinyena AKA=Carinena/Carignan/ Samso 27%, Garnacha Peluda, Picapoll Negro, Piquepoul, Tempranillo
    • –International– Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,Pinot Noir,  Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- Spain, REGION-Catalunya(South-West), PROVINCE-Tarragona, In Montsant DO.
    • BORDERS-Surrounded In Crescent “C” Shape by Montsant DO.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Terraces”
    • SLOPES/ Serra de Montsant(West), La Figuera(South), Serralado de Prades, +Alt.200mt.- 900mt.(Vines to 634mt.)
    • On~Cortrella/ Escaladie~Tributaries~Siurana~River~to~Mediterranean~Sea~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, LLicorella (Mix…Fractured Black/ Red Slate, Mica Quartzite), Clay
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Mediterranean” Influences, +Diurnal Shifts(+30° Variation)
    • *Summers– High Temperatures   |   *Winters– Heavy Rains
  • VITICULTURE- 17,629 ac./ 2,010ha. Planted,  (White 7%/ Red 93%)
    • Denominación de Origen Calificada DOCa. (1 of 2 DOCa/ Also Rioja)
    • Vi de DOQ Priorat– (Regional Wine), Wine Produced From Permitted Grapes.
    • Vi de Vila– (Village Wine), Grapes Grown Within the Boundaries of a Village.
      • Wine Labeled With One of the 12 Primary Villages.
      • +60% Garnacha and/ or  Carignan In Blend.
    • Vi de Paratge– (Like a Cru), Produced From One of the 459 Individual Vineyards.
      • +60% Garnacha and/ or  Carignan In Blend.
      • Produced From One of the 459 Individual Vineyards.
    • Vinya Classificada– (Classified Vineyard…Like a Premier Cru)
      • +60% Garnacha and/ or  Carignan In Blend.
      • Produced From One of the 459 Individual Vineyards.
    • Gran Vinya Classificada– (Like a Grand Cru)
      • +90% Garnacha and/ or  Carignan In Blend.
      • Produced From One of the 459 Individual Vineyards.
    • Vine Training- Echalas(Staked Vine) Trellis System-  The Crown of the Young Vine is Developed In a Bush Vine Shape to Start.  The Shoots Are Then Tied to the One Pole. (No Wires Are Used.)  
      • Benefits– This Trellis Style Allows Bunches to Ripen In Mini-Microclimates That Are Well Aerated Allows Sun to Enters the Canopy In “Dapple Light” From All Directions.  Echalas is Also Good In Steep Slopes Vineyards and In High Wind Areas.
  • VINICULTURE- *YIELDS/ Low, +13.5% ABV., +Aged/ 12mo.
  • HISTORY-
    • 1194 @Priorat– Alfonso II “King of Aragon”
      • Gave the Prime Property In Escaladei to Cistercian Monks For Their Monastery and to Grown Grapes.
    • 1200’s– 1800’s @Priorat– Was Large and Well Know Throughout Spain.
    • 1980’s @Priorat–  Modern Reemergence and New Global Interest.
  • CULTURE- ~Etymology~ Meaning “Priory” Referring to the Carthusian Monks of the 1200’s.
    • “Monks & Monasteries” ~Scala Dei~ Carthusian 1200’s
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Consell Regulador DOQ. Priorat~
    • PIONEERS~ ~Rene Barbier~ Visionary Who Revolutionized Priorat Wines In 1970’s.
      • ~Carles Pastrana~ Patriarch of Modern Priorat, Owns L’Obac & Miserere.
      • ~Alvaro Palacios~ Spanish Wine-Grower, Who Helped Revitalized Priorat.
      • ~Los Closos~  5 Families That Regenerated the Priorat Region to Make it Legendary Again.
        • Mas Martinet, Clos de l’Obac, Clos Mogador, Palacios, Clos Erasmus
    • POLITICS~ Due to Fascist Dictator Francisco Franco Rule Priorat Had All But Disappeared Up to the 1970’s.
  • GOING THERE- 
    • WINNER “Worlds Best”~ “Priorat”
      • DtheV.com Awards- “Top Iberian Peninsula Wine Region” (4th. Place)
      • **Refer to “WINE CULTURE/ Derek’s Top 6 List” For Detailed Information.
  • SUB-ZONES Of PRIORAT
  • La VILELLA BAIXA–
    • Geography- REGION-Catalunya, Priorat(West-Central)
    • Topography- +Alt. 218mt., On~Montsant/ Scala Dei~Rivers~
    • Estate/ Producers- Els Vil-Lusionistes, Lo, Pont, Sabate
  • La VILELLA ALTA–
    • Geography- REGION-Catalunya, Priorat(West-Interior), +Alt. 327mt., On~Montsant~River~
    • Estate/ Producers- Cartoixa de Montsalvat, Estriacus, Mas Alta, Ritme, Roca de les Dotze, Terra de Verema, Vinyes Altair
  • El LLOAR–
    • Geography- REGION-Catalunya, Priorat(South-West)
    • Topography- SLOPES/ La Roca, +Alt. 210mt., On~Montsant~River~
    • Estate/ Producers- Cal Grau(2.4ha.), Clos 93, Mas Gardian, Portal del Priorat, Clos de Portal, Torres
  • GRATALLOPS–
    • Geography- REGION-Catalunya, Priorat(South-West-Interior)
    • Topography- +Alt. 321 mt., On~Montsant/ Siurana~Rivers~
    • Estate/ Producers- Alvaro Palacios, Arrels del Priorat, Atavus Vines, Balaguer i Cabre, Blai Gerre Just, Buil & Gine, Cal Batllet, Cecilio, Cesca Vicent, Costers del Ros, Clos Aubaga, Clos de l’oban, Clos Figueras, Clos Mogador(20ha.), Clos Terrasses, Devinssi, Gratavinum, Mas Igneus, Mas Miartinet, Meritexx Palleja, Reserva de la Tierra(33ha.), Sara i Rene, Soa del Coster, Trossos del Priorat, Vinicola del Priorat
    • Vineyards- L’Ermita, Bellvisos Negre
  • SOLANES Del MOLAR– Priorat(South-West)
    • Geography- REGION-Catalunya, Priorat(South-West)
    • Estate/ Producers- Clos Berenguer, Clos Galena, Domini de la Cartoixa, Estriacus, Grifoll Declara, De Muller, Pol Grifoll Declara, Porrera Bewine
  • BELLMUNT Del PRIORAT–
    • Geography- REGION-Catalunya, Priorat(South-Central),
    • Topography-  “Rolling/ Hilly”, +Alt. 100mt.- 261mt., (Lowest In Priorat), On~Siurana~River~
    • Estate/ Producers- Casa Gran del Siurana, Gran Clos, Mas d’en Gil, Mas dels Estets, Rosa Ma. Bartolome Vernet, Pinord “Mas Blanc”, Sedo Barcelo, Sola Classic,  Viticultors Priorat(22ha.)
    • Vineyards- Cos Fonta
  • SCALA DEI/ ESCALADEI–  1,150ha. Planted
    • Geography- REGION-Catalunya, Priorat(North-Interior)
    • Topography– “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”, (Highest In Priorat), On~Montsant~River~
    • Soils-  Calcareous Clay, Limestone, Llicorella(Black Slate & Quartz)
    • Estate/ Producers- Cellers de Scala Dei, Conreria de Scala Dei, Terra Dominicata, Vins Singulars
    • Vineyards- Masdeu
  • La MORERA De MONTSANT–
    • Geography- REGION-Catalunya, Priorat(North-East),
    • Topography- SLOPES/ Montsant Mountain Range, +Alt. 743mt.(Highest In Priorat)
    • Estate/ Producers- Joan Ametller, Noguerals, Pasanau, Perinet
  • POBOLEDA–
    • Geography- REGION-Catalunya, Priorat(South-West)
    • Topography- +Alt. 343mt.- 800mt., On~Siurana~River~
    • Estate/ Producers- Burgos, Crivelle I Valls, Hidalgo Albert, Jordi Domenech, Maius Viticultors, Mas d’en Blei, Mas Doix, Mas la Mola(7ha.), Pahi, Perinet, Tane, Terres de Vidalba, Unio, Vinis Catalonia
    • Vineyards- Tossal d’en Bou
  • TORROJA Del PRIORAT–
    • Geography- REGION-Catalunya, Priorat(Interior)
    • Estate/ Producers- Costers del Priorat, L’Infernal, Terroir al Limit
  • PORRERA–
    • Geography- REGION-Catalunya, Priorat(East)
    • Topography- +Alt. 316mt.- 700mt., On~Cortiella~River~
    • Estate/ Producers- Ardevol i Associats, Balmaprat, Cal Pla, Cins de Porrera, Dominic, De l’Encastell, Giol, Joan Simo, Marco Abella, Magrez Espagne, Marco Albella, Mas Martinet Assessoraments, Merum Priorati, Nin Ortiz, Sangenis I Vaque, Vall Llach
    • Vineyards- La Mallola, Mas de la Rosa(1.9ha.)
  • MASOS De FALSET–
    • Geography- REGION-Catalunya, Priorat(South-Central)
    • Estate/ Producers- Capafons-Osso, Pinord, Xavier Artiol
  • NOT FOUND IN DEMARCATED VILLAGE–
    • Estate/ Producers-(Not Found In Demarcated Village)– Alfredo Arribas(Nat.Pro.), Alvaro Palacios, Carlos Pastrana, Clos Erasmus, Clos Galena, Clos Les Fites, Ferrer Bogert, Orowine, Rene Barbier
    • Vineyards- Manyes

COSTERS Del SEGRE DO.     @Lleida

  • BLANCO= Albarino, Confaus, Forcada, Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarello
    • –International– Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
  • TINTO= Brocada, Garnacha, Monastrell, Moneu, Querol, Samso AKA=Carinena, Ull de Llebre, Tempranillo, Trobat
    • –International– Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY– Spain, REGION-Catalunya(North–West), PROVINCE-Lleida
    • “Non-Contiguous(6)”
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ ?, +Alt. 200mt.- 1,100mt.
    • On~Segre~Tributary~Ebro~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Semi-Arid” Influences/ Micro Climates
  • VITICULTURE- 4,050 ha. Planted, (45% White/ 55% Red)
    • Cava– Productrion in Raimat
    • Estate/ Producers- Castell del Remei, Celler de Cervoles, Clos Pons Alges, Desterrats(Torres), Mas Blanch i Jove, Tomas Cusine
  • CULTURE- 1988- DO. Officially Established.
    • ~Etymology~ Costers del Segre Meaning “Banks of the River”, Referring to the Segre River.
  • SUB-ZONES Of COSTERS Del SEGRE
    • RAIMAT–
      • Geography- Costers Del Segre DO.(North-West)
        • Estate/ Producers- Raimat
    • SEGRIA–
      • Geography- Costers Del Segre DO.(North-West)
    • PALLARS JUSSA–
      • Geography– Costers Del Segre DO.(North-East)
      • Topography- BETWEEN– Lleida Plain & Pyrenees
        • Estate/ Producers- Castell d’Encus(23ha.), Mas Garcia Muret, Miquel Roca, Sauvella, Vila Corona
    • ARTESA De SEGRE–      @Artesa
      • Geography- Costers Del Segre DO.(East-Interior)
        • Estate/ Producers- Bar Segre, Cooperativa d’Artesa de Segre(Co.-Op.), L’Eixida S.L., Vin Galceran
    • Les GARRIGUES–
      • Geography- Costers Del Segre DO.(South-West)
    • VALL Del RIUCORB–
      • Geography- Costers Del Segre DO.(South-East)
    • URGELL–
      • Geography- Costers Del Segre DO.(South-East)

CONCA De BARBERA DO.     @Barber de La Conca

  • BLANCO= Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, Parellada
    • –International– Chardonnay Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc
  • TINTO= Garnacha, Garro, Mazuelo, Querol, Ull de Llebre, Sumoll, Trepat
    • –International– Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir
  • GEOGRAPHY- Spain, REGION-Catalunya(South), PROVINCE-Tarragona
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Terraced/ Basin”
    • SLOPES/ Serra de Prades, +Alt. 250mt.- 700mt.
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Clay
  • VITICULTURE- 4,699ha. Planted, (41% White/ 59% Red)
  • VINICULTURE- Cava
    • Estate/ Producers- Abadia de Poblet, Cara Nord Negre, Escoda-Sanahuja(Nat.Pro.), Grans Muralles(Torres), Mas Foraster, Succes Vinicola, Vini Ledtores
    • Vineyards- Els Bassots, La Font Voltada(3ha.), Gran Muralles
  • CULTURE– “Monks & Monasteries” ~Poblet~ Carthusian 1150’s
    • 1985- DO. Officially Established.

TERRA ALTA DO.     @Gandesa

  • BLANCO= Garnatxa Blanca AKA=Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Parellada, Pedro Ximenez
    • –International– Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Moscatel de Alejandraia, Viognier
  • TINTO= Carinena, Garnacha Tinta, Garnacha Peluda, Garnacha Tintorera, Mandon, Mazuelo, Morenillo, Samso, Ull de Llebre AKA=Tempranillo
    • –International– Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- Spain, REGION-Catalunya(South), PROVINCE-Tarragona(West)
    • BORDERS– Aragon“Region”(West), Terragona DO.(East)
    • VILLAGES- Arnes, Batea, Bot, Caseres, Corbera d’Ebre, La Fatareila, Gandesa, Horta de Sant Joan, El Pinell de Brai, Pobla de Massaluca, Prat de Comte, Villalba dels Arcs
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Plateau/ Valley”, On~Ebro~River~
    • SLOPES/ Serra de la Fatarella, +Alt. 350mt.- 1,300mt.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Limestone, Clay
    • Panel(Fossilized Sand-Dunes Soils From Quaternary Period)
    • Tapas(Silty Soils With Clay), Codols(Old River Bed With Pebbles)
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences
    • +WIND/~El Cierzo~(Originates…Ebro River Valley)
  • VITICULTURE- 5,900ha. Planted, (28% White/ 72% Red)
  • VINICULTURE- Blanco,  Rosado,  Tinto,  Rancio
    • Estate/ Producers- Alimara, Altavins, Barbara Fores, Batea, Bernavi, Casa Mariol, Clos Dalian, Coca i Fito, Les Colinas del Ebro, Compania de Vinos del Atlantico CVA., Edetaria(60ha.), Frisach, Gandesa(Co.-Op.), Herencia Altes, Josep Vicens, Lafou, Mendall(Nat.Pro.), Pinell de Bria(Co.-Op.), Pinol Nuestra, Ramon Roqueta, Xavier Clua, Vins del Tros
  • HISTORY- Viticulture Influences From…Romans/ Knights Templar
  • CULTURE- 1985- DO. Officially Established
    • ~Etymology~ Terra Alta…Meaning High Lands…Referring to Its Location In Mountains.

**Refer to “BIBLIOGRAPHY/ Sources” For Details On Scholarly Works Referenced.