Penedès was the first region in Spain to plant international grape varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and the first to make distinctively international-style wines. White wines are in two styles: ripe and toasty or green and tangy. They tend to be light, fresh, clean and ripe, with plenty of fruit and flavour.
 |
Location
The growing area is largely in southern Barcelona province, with
one zone - Bajo-Penedès (Baix-Penedes) - spilling over into
Tarragona.
Grapes
- Red: Tempranillo, Cabernet-Sauvignon,
Garnacha Tinta, Cariñena,
Monastrell, Samsó, Merlot
- White: Macabeo, Xarel.lo, Parellada,
Subirat-Parent, Chardonnay
|
Reds are intense and blackcurranty or spicy and brawny. Some are varietals; others are blends of international and Spanish grapes.
Cava is the Spanish term for traditional-method sparkling wine, and whilst it can come from almost anywhere in the North-East, it usually comes from Penedès. The basic grapes are Parellada, Macabeo and Xarel-lo, and there may now be some Chardonnay in the blend to give a bit more refinement. At best Cava is pleasant, clean and fresh - some of the world's best-value bubbly.
Favourites (IE)
Print This
Email This
