Cataluña (Catalunya)

DO region on the north Spanish coast, encompassing the larger part of the province of the same name in Catalonia. This is an ancient wine-producing regions, the wines typical of Catalonia, the mistelas and rancios were produced here in ancient times, and exported to many countries, laying a foundation for the wealth of the region. The harbour of Tarragona was an important trading centre for these wines in Roman times. In addition, many of the communion wines used by the Catholic church worldwide used to and still do originate from Tarragona. A traditional producer of these is the De Muller estate, founded in 1831, which also supplies the Vatican. Up until the 1960s, the fortified wines were made in the style of port wine, and were predominantly sweet and high in alcohol. The vineyard area totals 7.300 hectares in two quite diverse sub-regions, El Camp and Ribera d´Ebre, with a total of 72 communes. This number has been significantly reduced by splitting off the new independent DO regions Montsant (previously known as Falset) and Priorato.

The following white grape varieties are permitted: Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, Malvasía, Moscatel de Alejandria, Moscatel de Frontignan, Sauvignon Blanc and Xarel-Io, as well as the following red varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Merlot, Monastrell, Pinot Noir, Samsó (Cariñena), Syrah and Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo). Two thirds of the production is of white wine. A red wine typical of the region is the Tarragona Clássico, a pure varietal made from Garnacha, it has a minimum alcohol content of 13,5% and must be matured in oak barrels with a capacity of less than 2000 litres for a minimum of 12 years. Grapes for cava production are also cultivated, these are processed in the neighbouring region of Penedès to make the famous sparkling wines. The large Capçanes cooperative produces a kosher red wine known as „Flor de Primavera“, which is certified by the chief rabbi of Barcelona. Well-known producers include José Lopez Beltrán, Beyme, Bodegas Josep M. Bach, Barbara Forés, Capafons-Ossó, Capçanes, De Muller, Gandesa, Pedro Masana, Pedro Rovira, Vidal i Vidal, Vinya Janine and Viños Piñol.