Cataluña (Catalunya)

This DO is named after the city of the same name, and is located on the Mediterranean coast in the province of Catalunya in north-eastern Spain, close to, and to the north of Barcelona. The vineyard area totals only 560 hectares, nevertheless the region is divided into three climatic zones with different grape varieties. Along the coast are vineyards planted mainly with Garnacha Blanca. Further into the interior are vineyards with the indigenous varieties Pansà Blanca (Xarel-Lo), Pansà Rosada, Garnacha Tinta and Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo). Furthest to the West are vineyards on the Vallés plateau, planted with Pansà Blanca, as well as experimental vineyards planted with Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. In the past, the area was mainly known for sweet white wines, but now almost exclusively dry wines are produced. Wines are also produced as base wines for cava sparkling wine.