If there is one part of Spain where comparisons to Rioja are less welcome, it is Catalonia. Hugging the Mediterranean coast, Catalonia’s outlook has often been more broadly European than Spanish, and this is reflected in the wines.
The tradition of long-wood ageing and oxidation once so prevalent in Rioja never took hold in Catalonia; modern cool-fermentation and brisker cleaner whites have long been the order of the day.
Our most precious jewels of the region are the beautifully crafted wines of Albert Jané both from Acústic Celler in Montsant and Autòcton Celler on the borders of Penedes and Tarragona. For little more sturdy reds, head for the hills of Priorat.
[Hide]If there is one part of Spain where comparisons to Rioja are less welcome, it is Catalonia. Hugging the Mediterranean coast, Catalonia’s outlook has often been more broadly European than Spanish, and this is reflected in the wines.
The tradition of long-wood ageing and oxidation once so prevalent in Rioja never took hold in Catalonia; modern cool-fermentation and brisker cleaner whites have long been the order of the day.
Our most precious jewels of the region are the beautifully crafted wines of Albert Jané both from Acústic Celler in Montsant and Autòcton Celler on the borders of Penedes and Tarragona. For little more sturdy reds, head for the hills of Priorat.