Catalonia’s climate is strongly Mediterranean, with warm coastal areas experiencing moderate rainfall but there are also plenty of cooler zones among the foothills. Mainly famous for its sparkling wines, Cava, the area also produces deep and powerful red wines and aromatic and rich white wines.

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Emporda

A small wine area lying in the far North East of Spain, in Cataluña. The DO (Denominacion de Origen) is split is into two parts, Alta Emporda, which lies right on the French border and is in effect a continuation of Roussillon, and the Baixa Emporda below it. Both regions have a Mediterranean climate. Red wines prevail but good rosé and white wines are also produced. The main permitted red varieties are Garnacha and Cariñena (Carignan), permitted white varieties are Macabeu, Malvasia and Muscat but there are others..

Penedès

One of Spain’s most important and enterprising wine regions which rises up from the Mediterranean coast, just to the south of Barcelona. Best known for its sparkling wines (Cava) which are made from Chardonnay, Xare-lo and Parellada. Now gaining a reputation for table wines made from international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay in addition to traditional types such as Tempranillo, Garnacha and Parellada. Riesling is having some success on the upper slopes of the Alta Penedès.

Priorat

An old Spanish wine growing area that has been revitalised, Priorat lies up in the hills behind Tarragona. The slate soil is poor, rainfall is slight, leading to low yields, but the vines grow deep and produce rich full bodied, dark, high quality red wines. The grape varieties are Garnacha, and some old Cariñena (Carignan) but Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah are cultivated also. Good white wine is produced from Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo and Chenin Blanc.