Exploring The Barcelona Wine Country
WHAT ARE THE BEST AREAS WITH WINERIES NEAR BARCELONA?
The Barcelona vineyards are a hidden gem. Last week I had a really interesting conversation with the Chelsea, who owns a wine store in their town near Chicago. They had had a food tour and were enjoying some wine in one of my favorite tapas bars, and we ended up discussing the Spanish wine country areas.
Turns out we agreed that most people tend to think Spanish wine is all about Rioja, when there are so many other areas whose wines are starting to stand out…
These are our favorite areas with vineyards near Barcelona:
1
Penedès
Less than one hour drive from Barcelona, this region is famous for their cava (local sparkling). Interestingly enough, there are separate DOs for the Penedès wines and for the Cavas, as Cava can be produced anywhere in Spain as long as the product matches certain characteristics.
As for the wines, they are specific for this area and they are mostly whites, fruity but not sweet, and their reds and rosés are starting to rise the interest of the experts. They combine many different varieties of grapes, but their local ones are three: Xarel·lo, Macabeu and Parellada. Check out our tours to the Barcelona vineyards in the Penedes.
2
Empordà
Rosés are big here, as well as sweet wines that benefit from the warm temperatures of the region.
3
Priorat
Too much hard work to produce just cheap wine: that’s how the locals have learnt to focus in high end products of rich mineral flavors and lots of personality. Here you’ll find some of the best red wines from Spain, intense and alcoholic. We also organize Barcelona winery tours to the Priorat vineyards.
4
Alella
Local varieties such as the Pansa Blanca are lovingly combined with international grapes such as Chardonnay for whites and Merlot for reds.
5
Costers del Segre
And the ones that were recovered took the opportunity to pioneer introducing French varieties, almost unknown in Spain by then. Their reds are powerful and well balanced, and their rosés and whites fruity and fresh. A lot of the white grapes are used to produce Cava, as well.
AND BONUS! The very best place to drink wine, right in the heart of Barcelona!
6
MonVínic
Plus they are not only a wine bar: they also serve tapas, they have a fine restaurant at the back, they run a research center for wine specialists and organize professional wine tastings.
What is your favorite Spanish Wine Country?
Marta
Marta is the founder of ForeverBarcelona. She is a passionate tour guide that loves Barcelona and loves writing too. She is the main author of our Blog, and is committed to sharing her knowledge about Barcelona and her best tips with our readers.
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