Write: Álvaro Hernando. International Sommelier
DO CONCA DE BARBERA
La Conca de Barberà It is a small denomination that produces still and fresh wines. It currently has an area of about 4.000 ha. 80% of its wines are young whites.
Conca (basin in Catalan) of Barbera It is located at an altitude of 500 meters with a cool climate. Its soil is limestone. 70% of the vineyard is Macabeo y Parellada. The main and indigenous red grape is the climb, a variety that is becoming very important. This contributes to both wines and rosé cavas a light and fruity touch.
DO COSTERS DEL SEGRE
Its name comes from Segre river. It is divided into 4 subregions: Valls de Riu Corb, Les Garrigues, Artesa and Raimat. All of them in Catalonia. It is the area that extends from the river ebro until secret.
La Raimat subzone is recognized for making wines with Californian techniques. The north of the vineyard is situated at 200 m, while the south at an altitude of 400 m, with its homogeneous and limestone soil covered with sand.
The white grapes most used are Macabeo, Xarello, Parellada, Chardonnay and Garnacha Blanca. In varieties we find reds such as Garnacha Tinta, Ull de Lebre (Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Its vines are far from the influence of the sea and have high sunshine in summer and foggy winters with low rainfall.
DO EMPORDA - COSTA BRAVA - CATALONIA
Located in the province of Girona, near the French border, right next to the Banyuls Appeals y Coutes du Roussillon. This production area of the DO Empordà, located in the extreme northeast of Catalonia, includes a total of 48 municipalities. They are distributed in two regions: 35 municipalities in Alt Emporda and 20 municipalities of Baix Emporda.
The most characteristic climatic feature with the greatest impact on the crop is the strong north wind, the Tramontana. CWith gusts that often exceed 120 kilometers per hour, it has very beneficial effects on the good health of the vineyard. On the other hand, winters are mild, with few frosts and summers are hot, temperate by the sea breezes.
The production area of the Alt Emporda It is located in the northeastern corner of Catalonia. The vineyards grow on limestone soils, between 200 m to sea level. Its climate is Mediterranean, warm and humid, refreshing with the north wind and north winds.
It is possible to distinguish the areas of Empordà plain, where soils of alluvial origin predominate. These are from the areas and mountain slopes where the soils are slate and granite, with a landscape of great beauty.
Regarding the varieties paints, master the Samso (sweetie) which constitutes the basis of Empordà viticulture together with the lledoner (Garnacha Tinta). These traditional varieties are complemented by new ones that are being introduced, such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
The varieties white viniferous dominant are the Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo.
In much lesser proportion are the Muscatel, the traditional xarel.lo, and of new implantation, the Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer.
