 |
 New
Wave Spanish White Wine
Penedès and Cava
The Mediterranean wine region of Penedès, located just
south of Barcelona, is most famous for its traditional method
sparkling Cavas (Like Codorniu and Freixenet) and rich, velvety
reds (Miguel Torres and Jean Leon being the most famous estates
for red). Penedès also produces Rosados (rosé wines),
some of the best in Spain in fact (apart from Navarra). White
wines have never traditionally made the Penedès famous.
In the last few years, though, many wineries have been launching
superb, clean, fruity wines made with the region’s indigenous
white grape varietals (Xarel.lo, Parellada and Macabeu) and
often blended with international grape varietals such as Chardonnay,
Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer. Some of the best white
wines of the Penedès would include: Albet I Noya’s “Xarel.lo
Anyada”, “Fransola” from Miguel Torres, Cava
Gramona’s “Barrel Fermented Chardonnay”,
Colet’s single varietal “Xarel.lo” and the
lovely “Preludi” made by Raventos (with the three
cava grapes (Xarel.lo, Parellada and Macabeu).
 The white wines of the Penedès are extremely different
to the whites from the Rueda or Rias Baixas. The whites from
the Mediterranean almost have a tangy, salty sea air taste
to them, delicious when paired with seafood. The whites from
Rueda are extremely fruity, full flavored and grassy, while
the whites from Rias Baixas are soft, muted and peachy. Fransola,
the super wine made with Sauvignon Blanc by Miguel Torres,
would pair perfectly with a goat’s cheese tart. The single
varietal Xarel.lo made by Colet, would go sublimely with lightly
grilled monkfish.
Related links
Cellar Tours - Unforgettable
wine tours through some of the most charming, untouched wine
regions
in the world.
Cellar
Tastings - Detailed information on gourmet and culinary
activities, wine and winery information, food and wine tours
and other forms of unique travel for the Gourmand, and various
fun and educational events related to the world of food and
wine. |
|
