I decided to follow up last week’s D.O. Cava post with a post on D.O. Penedés, where most of the Cava is produced. However, D.O. Penedés also produces several varieties of still wines. The region is divided into three main areas Upper Penedés, Central Penedés and Lower Penedés. Each features different soils and climates. In the Upper and Lower Penedés, where the majority of the cultivation takes place, you will find continental and maritime sediments of considerable thickness such as shells. The coastal hills are triassic, cretaceous and oceanic materials, with limestone fossils. The entire surface area is about 600 squared miles.

The Upper Penedés features altitudes up to 800 meters above sea level. Some say these are the highest vineyards in Europe. White grapes such as Parellada, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Chenin Blanc are planted in this area. The climate here is precoastal and cooler. Frosts are common between November and April.

While the Lower Penedés, with the influence of the sun and sea, supplies the region with a mild, warm climate. Most of the red grape varieties such as Tempranillo, Garnacha, Monastrell and Cariñena are cultivated in the Lower Penedés. Two Cava grapes, Xarel.lo and Macabeo, are also grown in Lower Penedés. While Central Penedés produces most of the grapes for Cava. This area is also experimenting with foreign varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Merlot.

Planting density in Penedés is about 930-1200 vines per acre and some are trellised, but some are still “en vaso.” Trellised vines are easier to maintain and grapes are easier to gather during harvest. Fog and humidity are common features in Penedés. Temperatures range from 36-82 degrees Fahrenheit.

We tasted several wines from Catalonia, but only two from D.O. Penedés. Below are my tasting notes:

Creu de Lavit 2005 (Segura Viudas)
-100% Xarel.lo
-45 year old vines
-Aged 10% French oak, 25% American oak, 20% skin macerated, 45% stainless steel
-Golden color
-Nose – slight oak aromas, toasty
-Round on the palate, fresh, nice acidity
-About $15
-I liked it quite a bit

Mas d’ Aranyo 2002 (Segura Viudas)
-75% Tempranillo, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
-Aged 12 months in French and American oak, both new and old
-Rusty red, dark color – deep appearance
-Nose – spice, vanilla, little oak
-Strong bold wine – nice finish, stays with you a little while