DO area on the Mediterranean coast in the north-eastern Spanish region of Catalonia, north and close to Barcelona. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with mild winters and dry, hot summers. The vineyards cover only 560 hectares. They are partly laid out in terraces to increase the surface area. The soils are dark and clayey on the slopes of the Sierra, while those on the coast, known as "sauló", are stony and white. Important red wine varieties are Garnatxa Negra (Garnacha Tinta), Ull de Liebre (Tempranillo), Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Important white wine varieties are Pansa Blanca (Xarello) and Xarello Rosado, Garnatxa Blanca (Garnacha Bl anca), Picapoll Blanco, Malvasía (Planta Nova?), Macabeo, Parellada, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Bl anc and Chenin Blanc. The area is best known for its aromatic white wines. It also produces base wines for the sparkling wine cava.
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Thorsten Rahn
Restaurantleiter, Sommelier, Weindozent und Autor; Dresden