Are you looking for the best Catalan wines? Below we have prepared a list of what we consider to be the ones you should know above all.
The Spanish territory is one of the best valued in terms of wine production and, within this panorama, there are some regions with more renown than others, such as La Rioja or Ribera del Duero (here you can discover an exquisite selection that we have made with the best wineries in Ribera del Duero).
However, they are not the only places with wineries worth visiting. That is why today, from Taca de Vi, we want to talk to you about another type of wines that are perhaps less known, but that are worth knowing for their quality and unique characteristics: in fact, we are talking about Catalan wines.
Importance of Catalan wines
The history of Catalan wines is broad and extensive, as this beverage has been produced since time immemorial. However, it was not until the 18th century that the commercialization of wine began to be a key factor, since it was at that time that it became one of the driving forces of the country’s economy.
From then on, its production began to be massively professionalized, becoming one of the most profitable businesses in the region. Currently, there are more than 800 wineries to visit in Catalonia and more than 50,000 hectares of the Catalan territory are devoted to winemaking, with Priorat being the most popular region.
In total, 204.5 million bottles of wine and cava are exported every year to around 140 countries, and almost 5,000 people are directly employed in the wine industry, excluding winegrowers.
Wines of Catalonia denomination of origin
In Catalonia there are 12 Denominations of Origin (DO), as well as dozens of small wineries outside these DOs that do not wish to be regulated by anybody. Many of them can be visited with the so-called wine tours in Barcelona or the incredible wine tasting in Barcelona that we have at your disposal, these are the most popular ones:
- DO Penedés: Although this area is famous for its cava, it also produces white, rosé and red wines. In fact, it is the great producer of quality, very light and aromatic Catalan white wines. If you would like to know more about wine tourism in this area, we invite you to discover which are the best wineries to visit in the Penedès in the list we have prepared for you.
- DO Terra Alta: Terra Alta wines are usually white, with Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo. Reds, sweet wines and mistela are also produced here. If you are looking for a sweet Catalan wine, keep an eye on this area.
- DO Conca de Barberà: Wine tourism does not end here,as some of the best Catalan rosé wines belong to this region and, specifically, are made with the red grape Trepat. However, white wines are mainly produced in this area.
- DO Empordà: Wines touched by the Tramuntana (powerful north wind), which produces sweet reds and saline whites. In addition, delicious sweet Garnacha wines are also made here. In addition, white, sweet and sparkling wines are also made here. Discover our wine tour of the Empordà.
- DO Priorat: Looking for famous Catalan wines? You should definitely visit the Priorat region. In Spain, there are only two wine regions recognised as Denominació d’Origen Qualificada for the quality of their wines and this is one of them. If you are curious to find out more, we invite you to come and discover these lands better with our private tour of Priorat.
- DO Pla de Bages: One of the historic areas and the largest Catalan wine-growing region at the beginning of the 20th century. Nowadays, it is one of the smallest, but with very interesting wineries that produce great reds and perfumed whites of the Picapoll variety.
Embark on a journey of wine discovery with our tailored wine courses in Barcelona, where you’ll deepen your understanding of viticulture and enology while exploring the diverse terroirs and grape varieties that define Catalonia’s dynamic wine landscape.
7 best Catalan wines
Catalan red wines
Clos Abella (Priorat)
Clos Abella is a red wine from the DOQ Priorat, crafted by Marco Abella. This wine is aged for about 16-18 months in French oak barrels, which contributes to its complexity and quality. It is a coupage (blend) of 70% Carignan and 30% Grenache varieties.
This wine is characterised by its intensity and aromatic complexity. In the tasting, it shows a high cherry red colour with a violet rim. Intense mineral aromas are perceived, with hints of ripe red fruits, spices, new wood, liquorice and toasted notes. On the palate, it is very elegant, silky, with a certain maturity, ample and round, with a long finish, indicating a wine of great quality.
Vinya La Scala (Penedès)
The Vinya La Scala Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva by Jean Leon is a red wine from the Penedès DO. This wine is only produced in exceptional vintages and is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from old vines. The La Scala vineyard was planted in 1963 by Jean Leon, which makes it the first Cabernet Sauvignon varietal wine produced in Spain.
In fact, we are talking about an iconic wine in Catalonia and Spain, as the decision to plant this grape (then completely unknown), age the wine in new French oak barrels, bottle the wine (when everything was made in bulk in the area) and export it (Penedès wine was for local consumption), was a real revolution in the region. The fact that it has survived to the present day makes it a legendary wine and it can be considered one of the great Cabernet Sauvignons of the world.
As for the winemaking process, the grapes are harvested by hand and selected twice, both in the vineyard and in the winery. After maceration, which lasts about 20 days, the wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks. Then, it is aged in new French oak barrels for 24 months and, finally, it spends another three years in the bottle.
Visually, Vinya La Scala has a dark ruby red colour with reddish hues. On the nose, intense aromas of blueberries and blackberries, spices, with hints of vanilla and clove, and with time, hints of tobacco, Mediterranean garrigue, toast and a smoky layer appear. On the palate, it is bold, focused and very precise, with a lush texture, fantastic acidity and ripe tannins. It has a classic elegance and great energy, with a very long finish that leaves spicy and smoky notes on a mineral background.
Julieta (Conca de Barberà)
Julieta is a red wine produced by the Josep Foraster winery, located in the DO Conca de Barberà (Tarragona). It is made from the native grape that is only found in this area and is a symbol of identity and quality: Trepat. This grape has a very thin skin, so the result is a red wine of little colour, with an aroma of spices and undergrowth and a light, fresh and very tasty touch.
This wine is described as soft and delicate. On the nose, the intensity of red fruit, such as strawberries and raspberries, stands out, together with hints of eucalyptus, rosemary, pepper and clove. On the palate, it stands out for its elegance, fluidity, freshness and fruity character, offering an enveloping and balanced taste experience. In addition, its Mediterranean character is mentioned, fresh and light, making it ideal to accompany white meats, rice dishes with mushrooms, slightly cured goat cheeses and spicy sausages.
Catalan white wines
La Serra Blanc (Terra Alta)
La Serra blanc of the Herencia Altés winery is a white wine produced in the region of Terra Alta (Tarragona), from very old and wise vineyards of Garnacha Blanca.
This variety, when the vines are young, produces rather shy, simple and not very expressive wines. But when the vines are old, the profile of the wine changes completely, for the better! It is a very complex wine, medium to full-bodied, quite fresh, very mineral (flint), very subtle hints of wood, white stone fruit, ripe apple and with a pleasant saline touch on the finish.
It is a versatile wine that pairs well with oily fish, white meat with tasty sauces and seafood rice dishes, or can be enjoyed as an aperitif. The Herencia Altés winery stands out for its commitment to quality and respect for the terroir, which is reflected in the excellence of its wines.
V89 (Costers del Segre)
El V89 de celler L’Olivera, es un vino blanco de la DO Costers del Segre y subzona Valls del Riu Corb (al sur de la provincia de Lleida). Este vino es un homenaje a los orígenes y la trayectoria de la cooperativa L’Olivera, que comenzó su aventura en la elaboración de vinos en 1989. El nombre V89 se refiere a Vallisbona, un nombre antiguo relacionado con Vallbona de les Monges, el lugar de origen de este vino.
El V89 es un vino monovarietal, elaborado exclusivamente con la variedad Macabeo, procedente de sus dos mejores viñedos. El vino ha fermentado y criado durante 8 meses en barricas nuevas de roble francés. Además se le ha realizado un battonage semanal (mezcla con sus lías o levaduras muertas) con el objetivo de dar una cierta cremosidad al vino, más complejidad y sabor más largo.
En cuanto a su perfil de cata, el V89 es muy complejo y elegante, destacando la fruta de hueso madura, piña y un punto cítrico sobre un fondo un poco tostado. En boca, es un vino fresco pero untuoso, buena acidez y un final largo y muy agradable. Se recomienda servirlo entre 8 y 10 grados, y marida bien con platos como arroz de marisco, quesos cremosos o pescados al horno.
La Cooperativa L’Olivera, a parte de reconocida por la calidad de sus vinos blancos, es desde hace mucho años un referente en proyectos de integración social. Y es que todos sus trabajadores son discapacitados. Así que comprando estos vinos, también colaboramos en este gran proyecto y que siga funcionando.
Vinos espumosos catalanes
In another article, we have already made a compilation of what are, for us, the best Catalan cavas. Even so, here are the most relevant Catalan sparkling wines for us and that, although they bear the name “cava”, they are still sparkling wines.
Nuat (Pla de Bages)
El Abadal Nuat es un vino blanco monovarietal de la variedad Picapoll, autóctona de la región del Pla de Bages. Este vino destaca por ser una de las mejores expresiones de esta variedad, con uvas seleccionadas de viñedos de más de 60 años de edad y de bajo rendimiento.
Abadal fue pionera hace 20 años en elaborar y potenciar el primer vino 100% de esta variedad poco conocida por el gran público. Año tras año, han ido experimentando, aprendiendo y conociendo mejor esta uva para poder sacar la máxima expresión y poder ofrecer un gran vino de Picapoll. Y lo han conseguido.
En cuanto a su proceso de elaboración, después de una vendimia manual, las uvas pasan por un suave prensado y luego se someten a una maceración pelicular durante 24 horas. Posteriormente, se realiza la fermentación en depósitos de acero inoxidable. Finalmente, una parte del vino (30%) envejece con sus lías en barricas de roble francés durante 4 meses, lo que le aporta mayor complejidad y cremosidad.
From a sensory point of view, the Abadal Nuat presents a nose, where complex and delicate aromas are detected, with a wide range that goes from white fruit and citrus to tropical fruit, with an exotic touch of lychees. Floral and herbaceous aromas are also perceived, with an elegant mineral background. On the palate, it is enveloping and voluminous, yet fresh and balanced, showing ripe fruit and creamy notes of ageing, with a long, lingering finish.
For your greatest enjoyment and to be able to see the potential of this variety, it can be kept for up to 10 years in the bottle, which will give it a very interesting complexity….
Esparter (Clàssic Penedès)
Esparter de AT Roca is a sparkling wine from the Penedès DO. It is made from 100% Macabeo grapes from vineyards over 60 years old. This ensures a very low production but of excellent quality, where the flavour and acidity of this variety is concentrated.
To get the best out of it, it is aged in the bottle for a minimum of 6 years in order to obtain a fine, elegant and well-integrated bubble, while the yeasts provide complexity and greater flavour in the mouth.
In terms of its sensory profile, it has a straw yellow colour of medium intensity with golden reflections and a very fine bubble that evolves slowly, forming rosaries and a dense crown. Its aroma is clean, frank, intense and complex, with a first impression of white fruit on a background of brioche and spices, with notes of vanilla and smoky notes. On the palate, it is fresh and elegant, with balanced acidity and a mineral and harmonious sensation. The white fruit flavours merge with notes of pastry and toast, offering a full, creamy and gourmand taste experience.
