{"id":15157,"date":"2018-05-14T10:24:51","date_gmt":"2018-05-14T08:24:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/devourbarcelonafoodtours.com\/?p=8040"},"modified":"2024-04-11T17:57:13","modified_gmt":"2024-04-11T17:57:13","slug":"catalan-wines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devourtours.com\/blog\/catalan-wines\/","title":{"rendered":"An Introduction to Catalan Wines (+ What to Order in Barcelona)"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

When it comes to wine, Barcelona (and Catalau\u00f1a in general) is the place to be. Catalan wines have become pretty famous worldwide,<\/strong> so there’s a good chance you’ve sipped on a couple without even knowing they’re from here.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Of course, wine holds a very special place in Spanish and Catalan cultures. It\u2019s the perfect mix of elegant and accessible, so you can be sure you\u2019re enjoying a high quality <\/span>vino <\/span><\/i>with no trace of pretentiousness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

As home to several of Spain\u2019s 70+ <\/span>wine varieties<\/span><\/a>, Catalonia is one of the most diverse places to drink wine.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n

In this introduction to Catalan wines, we\u2019ll explore what makes these regions so special\u2014as well as which wines to order when visting the captial of Catalau\u00f1a, Barcelona!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Cava is indeed one of the most famous Catalan wines.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n

All about Catalan wines<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Just as the Catalan people pride themselves on their fierce, passionate independent spirit, Catalan wines also stand in a league of their own. <\/span>Most varieties forgo the <\/span>tempranillo<\/span><\/i> grape, so common in other Spanish wines, in favor of <\/span>garnacha<\/span><\/i> and carignan grapes. <\/span>As a result, Catalan wines feature a fuller body and a higher alcohol content <\/strong>than their Spanish counterparts.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Another factor that sets Catalan wines apart is the beautiful coastal Mediterranean climate in the region.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>With a picture perfect setting between the mountains and the sea, the <\/span>vineyards<\/span><\/a> in the region are ideal for producing rich, varied wines. The likes of which you won\u2019t find anywhere else in the world.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Exploring vineyards in Catalunya will take you to beautiful towns and sights right up to the Mediterranean. Photo credit: Angela Llop<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n

All throughout Spain, locals tend to favor regionally produced wines, and Barcelona is no different. When it comes to <\/span>drinking wine like a local<\/span><\/a> here, Catalan wines are key.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

You can also escape to the Catalan wine country with us. Our Montserrat & Cava Winery\u00a0 Tour<\/a> is a must for wine lovers.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

This day trip will whisk you away to one of Catalonia\u2019s most idyllic vineyards (just a stone\u2019s throw from Barcelona!) where you\u2019ll learn the secrets of local winemaking. Of course, you\u2019ll also get to sample some of the local food and wine over a leisurely lunch.<\/p>\r\n

Regional wines to try in Barcelona<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

With nearly a dozen wine regions dotting the Catalan countryside, there\u2019s no shortage of outstanding local wines to try when visiting Barcelona.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

One of the most popular varieties among locals is <\/span>D.O. Pened\u00e8s<\/span><\/a>. With a winemaking tradition that dates back to the sixth century B.C., winemakers here have certainly perfected their craft.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

As one of Spain\u2019s most prolific wine regions, Pened\u00e8s produces mainly fine dry reds and whites, in addition to some of the best cava in the country.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Catalau\u00f1a has a wide range of fantastic wines to try.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n

Another standout among Catalan wines is the <\/span>Priorat<\/span><\/a> region. As home to just over sixty bodegas growing their grapes in less-than-promising soil, yield here is remarkably low compared to other Spanish wine regions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

However, while the results are few, they get turned into some of the highest quality wines in Catalonia. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

Among the more expensive Catalan wines, Priorat varieties are a must-try for any wine connoisseur.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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Rich reds are very characteristic of the Priorat region. Photo credit: Kelsey Knight<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n

Cava and vermouth<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

We can\u2019t talk about Catalan wines without discussing two of the most popular! Although their production isn\u2019t limited to any one geographic area in Spain, cava and vermouth form an integral part of the local wine culture.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

As Spain\u2019s contribution to the sparkling wine scene, <\/span>cava<\/span><\/a> is just as delicious as French champagne and Italian prosecco (and often times less expensive).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

As a bonus, more than 90 percent of cava in the entire country comes from Catalonia.<\/strong> With less pretentiousness attached to it than other sparkling wines, y<\/span>ou don\u2019t need to wait for a special occasion to visit drink it or visit one of Barcelona\u2019s numerous <\/strong><\/span>cava bars<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Cava turns any gathering into a celebration. Photo credit:<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n

Other Catalan wines<\/h2>\r\n

Wine lovers<\/span><\/a> can\u2019t leave Barcelona without trying vermouth. Yes, vermouth is technically a white wine, making it one of our favorite Catalan wines.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n

This classic drink is enjoying a resurgence in popularity all over Spain in recent years, and Barcelona is no different.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Once thought of as something your grandpa might drink, it\u2019s now a favorite aperitif for wine fans of all ages, who pack into Barcelona\u2019s best <\/span>vermouth bars<\/span><\/a> to enjoy it.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Learn more about vermouth in Barcelona<\/h2>\r\n

Want to learn more about the Catalan capital\u2019s famous vermouth tradition? Watch our video where Devour Barcelona expert guide Victoria tells you all you need to know.<\/span><\/p>\r\n