Cataluña (Catalunya)

The DO (Catalan: Empordà) is located in the extreme north-easterly corner of Spain, on the Mediterranean coast in the Catalunya region, it borders on Roussillon in France. The region is considered to be one of the cradles of Spanish viticulture. The vineyard area totals around 2.300 hectares on limestone-rich soils, located at an altitude of around 200 metres above sea level, frequently in crater-shaped valleys (see under Conca). The region has a Mediterranean climate with cold north winds. The white wines are made from Chenin Blanc, Macabeo, Muscat, Parellada, Riesling, Xarel-Lo as well as from Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer. The red varieties in the region are Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Tempranillo. Most of the wines produced are rosados (made from Cariñena) as well as some traditional, highly alcoholic rancios. A small amount of cava is also produced. A speciality dating back to medieval times is the „Garnatxa“, a sweet varietal red wine made from Garnacha with an alcohol level of 15,5% vol.. This resembles the Banyuls wines made in the Roussillon in France, on the other side of the border.