Catalonia Beyond Priorat

1. Overview

Catalonia, in the northeast of Spain, is a very sunny and varied wine region.
While Priorat is famous for powerful reds, the rest of Catalonia makes many other styles: fresh whites, sparkling Cava, light reds, rosés, and even some skin-contact wines.
There are 12 official wine regions (DOs), each with its own landscape and grapes.

2. Landscape and Climate

Catalonia has vineyards along the Mediterranean coast, in the warm inland plains, and up in the cooler hills and mountains.

• The coast is warm and breezy.
• Inland areas are hotter during the day but cool at night.
• Some places are very windy, like Empordà (Tramuntana) and Terra Alta (Mestral).

These differences help make wines that can be crisp and light or rich and full.

3. Main Wine Regions (Beyond Priorat)

Penedès

The most important area for white wines and sparkling wine.

• Main grape: Xarel·lo
• Makes: fresh whites and base wines for Cava
• Well-known producers: Gramona, Recaredo

Cava DO

Traditional-method sparkling wine (like Champagne).

• Mainly made from Xarel·lo, Macabeu, Parellada, and sometimes Chardonnay
• Styles range from simple and fruity to long-aged and complex

Alella

A tiny wine region just outside Barcelona.

• Famous for Pansa Blanca (local Xarel·lo)
• Wines are light, floral, and a bit salty

Empordà

Northeast corner near France.

• Known for Garnatxa and Carinyena
• Makes fresh reds, pale rosés, and some flavourful whites

Terra Alta

Hot, sunny inland region.

• Speciality: Garnatxa Blanca
• Produces rich, full-bodied whites and warm, smooth reds

Conca de Barberà

High and cool.

• Home of Trepat, a pale, fresh, lightly spicy black grape
• Makes light reds, rosés, and sparkling bases

Costers del Segre

Inland, made up of several small subregions.

• Uses both local and international grapes
• Style: modern, fresh reds and mineral whites

Montsant

Surrounds Priorat.

• Uses Garnatxa and Carinyena
• Wines are generous and fruity but softer than Priorat

4. Grapes You’ll Find Here

5. How the Vines Are Grown

Catalonia is mostly warm and dry, so growers often use methods that help vines handle heat and wind.

• Bush vines: common in Terra Alta, Montsant, Empordà; low to the ground and good for dry soils.
• Trellised vines: used in Penedès and sparkling-wine areas; neat rows that allow good sun and air flow.
  Many vineyards are organic, and irrigation is limited.

6. Styles of Wine

• Sparkling: Cava and other traditional-method wines
• White wines: fresh Xarel·lo and full Garnatxa Blanca
• Red wines: smooth Garnatxa and firmer Carinyena
• Rosé (Rosat): pale, fruity, often made with Trepat or Garnatxa
• Skin-contact wines: growing trend in Alella, Empordà, and Terra Alta

7. Summary

Catalonia is much more than Priorat — it is a region full of different landscapes, climates, and grape varieties.
From the mineral whites of Penedès to the rich Garnatxa Blanca of Terra Alta and the fragrant Trepat of Conca de Barberà, Catalonia makes wines that are bright, expressive, and full of character.
It is one of Spain’s most exciting and creative wine regions.