Located halfway between Barcelona and Tarragona in the northern province of Catalonia, Spain, the Penedes appellation covers a vast area stretching from the mountains of the Montserrat massif to the Mediterranean Sea.
The very hilly Penedes region enjoys a great diversity of micro-climates that have a dominating Mediterranean climate.
The DO Penedes (Denominacion de Origen) is divided into 3 regions: Penedes Superior (located in the immediate vicinity of the mountains), Penedes Maritim (extending over an area nestled along the coast) and Penedes Central (located around the plains).
All the diversity of the DO Penedes is based the regionâs uniqueness that results in a countless number of wine styles with particular aromatic and fruit expressions that interpret the differences in climate, soils and areas.
The DO Penedes is renowned its quality white wines that blend indigenous grape varieties like Xarel-lo, Macabeu and Parellada with other international varieties that have been introduced to the region over the years (Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc).
As the regionâs flagship variety, Xarel-lo is the most widely planted with a production area of 7,000 hectares.
The white wines of Penedes should be drunk young within a year of bottling. They are famous for the aromatic freshness and vivacity in the mouth. Some producers, however, let their wines age in oak barrels, especially for Xarel-lo. The result gives round, ample wines with a mineral finish, as well as the potential for aging.
The DO Penedes is no exception for red wines and offers an incredible range of excellent quality, especially from indigenous grape varieties. Garnatxa (Grenache) is largely cultivated throughout DO Penedes. Indigenous varieties like Monastrell and Samso are grown in Baix Penedes, and Ull de Lebre can be found in the central and upper regions of Penedes. International grape varieties (Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir) are also used.
Finally, the DO Penedes also offers a sparkling wine in limited quantities called Classic Penedes. This is very strictly regulated and exclusively produced inside DO Penedes from indigenous varieties. Produced using ancestral traditions and methods, this sparkling wine has to be aged a minimum of 15 months in the cellar before being sold.
