Collection: D.O. Penedès

This D.O. is located in Catalonia and is one of the bigger regions making Spanish wine. The winegrowers are driven by the yields of the different Cava varieties and the excellent yields (with due attention to quality) of the many French varieties planted here.

Penedès has long been associated with progressive vineyards and wineries. In the 1970s, this was the first area in Spain to use stainless steel equipment and cold fermentation. Since that time the better producers in Penedès make (good to splendid) modern wines by blending native and French grapes.

The winemakers are helped in this by the range in altitudes, landscapes and microclimates which allow very many different grape varieties to thrive. Extensive research was carried out recently into the reintroduction of old, native varieties and the development of integrated and organic winemaking techniques. Furthermore, experiments have been carried out on new grape varieties and different planting densities. A wine museum has been set up in Vilafranca del Penedès, the most important city in the area. 

The area comprises two large parts: Alt Penedès to the north, where mostly sparkling wine is made. To the south, partly in the Province of Tarragona, you find Baix Penedès. The most important wine varieties here are Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel.lo, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, ... Black varieties: Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Trepat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Samsó, ...

© Photo: Can Rafols dels Caus