Penedes

Question 1

Wheres is Penedes?

Answer 1

Catalonia. South of Barcelona.

The area stretches from the coast to the higher altitudes inland and it features an array of hillsides, coves and valleys

Question 2

Describe the sub regions of Penedes

Answer 2

Penedès divides into three areas.

The lowest “baix-Penedès” (0-250m) is home to the white Cava grapes Macabeo, Xarello and Parellada.

In the middle “mitja-Penedès” (250-500m) Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon perform well as do the Cava trio.

The highest “alt-Penedès” (500-800m), taking in some of the highest vineyards in Europe, is where Chardonnay and other cool climate varieties are grown as well as the finest Parellada grapes.

Question 3

What is Vino Dulce de Frío?

Answer 3

An ice wine equivalent. This natural sweet wine can be made from a wide variety of grapes including Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, authorised Moscatel varieties and Riesling.

Question 4

How much area under vine in Penedes?

Answer 4

26,172 hectares (approximately split 21 white and 5 red)

Question 5

What is the altitude of Penedes?

Answer 5

Sea level to 800 metres

Question 6

What are the pirincipal white grapes of Penedes?

Answer 6

Macabeo, Xarel-lo, Parellada, Subirat-Parent (Malvasía Riojana) and Chardonnay.

Others: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc and Muscatel varieties (Muscat d’Alexandrie and Frontignan)

Question 7

What are the pirincipal red grapes of Penedes?

Answer 7

Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha Tinta, Cariñena, Monastrell, Samsó and Merlot.

Others: Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Syrah

Question 8

Describe the climate of Penedes

Answer 8

Maximum summer temperature 33˚C, minimum winter temperature -3˚C , average annual rainfall 525mm

Question 9

Minimum/Maximum Alcohol for Penedes

Answer 9

Blanco/Rosado: 11-15%
    Tinto: 12-15%
    Vino Dulce Natural: 15-22%
    Vino Dulce Natural de Uva Sobremadurada: min. 12%
    Vino de Aguja: 9.5-12.5%
    Vino Espumoso: 11-12.5%

Question 10

When was the DO of Penedes established?

Answer 10

1960

Question 11

What is San Sadurní d’Anoia?

Answer 11

The birthplace of Cava, lies in the Alt-Penedès

Question 12

What did Jose Raventos do?

Answer 12

Jose Raventós of Codorníu introduced método tradicional sparkling winemaking to Spain, in 1872

Question 13

What grapes can be used in Cava?

Answer 13

Cava DO wines may be produced from the following grapes: Parellada, Xarel-lo, Macabeu, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Garnacha Tinta, Monastrell, Trepat, and Malvasia (Subirat)

Question 14

Aging requirements for Cava

Answer 14

Cava wines require less time on the lees than Champagne: nine months for basic bottlings, fifteen months for reserva, and thirty months for gran reserva.

Question 15

What is on the corks of Cava bottles?

Answer 15

Bottles of Cava can always be spotted by the mark of a four-pointed star imprinted on the cork.