Catalan Wines

The Grapes of Spain

by  |  28-09-2016 ~ 2 Comments

If there is one native Spanish grape that a typical wine drinker will know, it is Tempranillo, and for most consumers, the story ends there. In the second half of the 20th century, it was... more »

In The Glass: Jean Leon – 3055 Merlot/Petit Verdot 2015

by  |  23-09-2016

One of the wineries high on my list to visit in Catalonia is that of Jean Leon. Being that it's in DO Penedès, it's a touch out of the way for just casually stopping in,... more »

Lafou – Els Amellers 2015

by  |  17-08-2016 ~ 2 Comments

For those who don't know it, Lafou in DO Terra Alta has quickly risen to be one of the reference cellars for the appellation. Both their reds and whites are showing the brilliant potential that's... more »

Gettin’ Grenachey – Cellers de Scala Dei & RAR

by  |  21-07-2016

There are those who, if a wine hasn't spent at least a year in the finest French oak and isn't from the finest block of vines, then they consider it to have little worth. Honestly,... more »

The new “institutional wines” of DO Montsant

by  |  08-07-2016 ~ 2 Comments

DO Montsant has just announced their new "institutional wines". In brief, these are a red and white wine that will be used for the next 1-2 years to demonstrate what is seen to be the... more »

Cooperatives, terroir, and finding place in 21st Catalonia

by  |  05-07-2016

Previously, I wrote about the rise of the small cellars in DO Montsant which, unsurprisingly was well-received by those in this DO who have been working hard to present a unified front of quality wines... more »

Catalan BBQ wine gets a new look: Castell del Remei Gotim

by  |  04-07-2016

It's been four Julys in a row that I've not been in the US for Independence Day on the 4th. This isn't something that I consider to be the utmost of tragedies as it's a... more »

Wine Folly’s “Spanish Wine Exploration” and lack of accuracy

by  |  30-06-2016 ~ 3 Comments

"Wine Folly's content is often inaccurate, exceedingly narrow, and horribly derivative." states a reviewer name W. Hughes on Amazon. His review is for the Wine Folly book which I would have to agree with as... more »

Trepat, Catalonia’s “Pinot Noir”?

by  |  28-06-2016

It's always a minefield to compare one wine grape to another, especially when styles around the world vary so much but in terms of Catalonia's Trepat grape and Pinot Noir, there are more aspects than... more »

In The Glass: Mas Oller – Plus 2013

by  |  24-06-2016

It was more than 6 years ago that I first visited Mas Oller. It was so long ago that I remember having trouble finding them due to a lack of sign at the time and... more »