PenedesPenedès is located less than an hour from Barcelona and is a picturesque region covered in vines and with beautiful mountainous backdrops.
The region is subdivided into various zones including Baix-Penedes (Lower Penedès, where Vilafranca del Penedès is the main village); Mitja- Penedès (Middle Penedès, the main production area) and Alt-Penedès (High Penedès, with the highest altitude in the region). The soil types across all three sub regions are fairly similar with limestone, sand and clay all present and while the climate is Mediterranean, with such a wide range of terrains, the Penedès is full of microclimates resulting in the production of a wide range of wine styles including the Traditional Method (sparkling) white and rosé Cava (made with the indigenous grapes of Xarel.lo, Macabeo and Parellada), dry reds, dry whites, and dessert whites. Winemaking in the region dates back thousands of years and there is some amazing history to absorb. Perhaps now best known for their amazing Cava, which the region began producing in the region in 1872 in the town of Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, there are around 80 wineries producing Cava in the region which now accounts for around 70% of all of Spain's sparkling wine production. The region itself is quite compact, meaning that there are numerous cellar doors within easy driving distance. The region is also only a short train trip from Barcelona, with the train station in Sant Sadurni d'Anoia being only a short walk from a number of cellar doors, including Codorniu. This is a great wine region with a fabulous range of wineries and some beautiful settings all located within an easily accessible area. |