Penedés DO (Denominación de Origen), within the autonomous community of Catalonia, is its largest and an important wine region not only in terms of volume of wine produced but more importantly due to its role in contribution to the portfolio of wine styles coming out of the region. The proximity to the bustling tourist metropolis of Barcelona is an added boost to the local wine industry as it provides it with a huge market for its varied range of products as well as a gateway to the export markets. The town of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia is the nerve center of Spain's prestigious sparkling wine (Cava) industry.
Penedes is credited with the distinction of being the epicenter where the country's modern-day wine-growing revolution took shape. In the nineteenth century, it was one of the largest wine producing regions with France as a vital export market. The wines, especially Cava, which was introduced by José Raventós of Codorníu, were particularly instrumental in putting its name on the world wine map. The latter half of the century saw sweeping transformation in the region's approach towards quality winemaking with the introduction of stainless steel tanks and temperature control in the wineries. Renowned wine estates like the Torres family made significant contibutions by experimenting with international vine varieties alongside local Catalan specialties.
The region's grape growing climate is highly influenced by the unique topography which is divided into three sub-zones:
- Baix Penedès: comprises of the low-lying coastal areas of altitudes up to 250 m (825 ft). Unsurprisingly, this is the warmest part of the region which specializes in the production of full-bodied red wines from Garnacha, Cariñena and Monastrell grapes.
- Medio Penedès: the middle portion of the DO, responsible for the largest production. Vineyards are located at elevations between 250m (825 ft) to 500 m (1640 ft). It provides the majority of the region's Cava grapes (Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo) as well as the red varieties, Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
- Alt Penedès: also known as Penedès Superior. The highest part of the region with some of the most high altitude vineyards in Europe (500 m/1640 ft to 800 m/2625 ft). This is the area where some of Spain's most remarkable white wines are produced from cool climate grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and the local Parellada.
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