Introducing Catalan wine regions: D.O. Empordà

September 9, 2024 at 10:00 am, No comments

sea waves splashing on coastal rocks in emporda region

With an average production of 65,000 hl., the D.O. Empordà wine region in Catalonia is home to an array of crisp and highly aromatic wines that are a festival for the senses.

Flanked by the iconic headland of Cap de Creus and a stunning rocky coastline, Empordà is a renowned wine growing area that attracts wine enthusiasts and foodies alike.

The region boasts a typical Mediterranean climate that combines mild winters and hot summers, where its sun-drenched vineyards extend across vast plains and mountain hills that enjoy a privileged location by the sea.

Let’s explore what makes this region a unique wine growing area of its kind:

Welcome to D.O. Empordà

The story of winemaking in the D.O. Empordà wine region stretches back over two millennia, with evidence of viticulture dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Nestled between the Pyrenees mountains on the north and the blue waters of Costa Brava on the east, Empordà's gifted location delivers highly acidic wines of delicate flavors and intense aromas.

The Tramuntana wind is the most characteristic aspect of the region’s climate, deeply affecting the vine cultivation and growing process, as well as the vineyard’s health.

In addition to its world-class wines, Empordà is also celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and charming medieval villages, such as Pals and Peratallada, as well as the region's local cuisine.

a roman amphitheatre at sunrise

A bit of history

Named after an important Greek colony, Empórion, the wine culture and its trade arrived in the Empordà area approximately in the VI century BC. Four centuries later, the region would become one of the most prosperous colonies in the Tarraconensis province of the Roman Empire.

In the Middle Ages, when vines were planted around abbeys and monasteries, the region’s monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes established its own practice in the art of vine growing, settling the foundations of a long winemaking tradition in the area.

The infamous Phylloxera epidemic that ruined most of the European vineyards also made its way across Empordà in the late 19th century, ruining what would have been very prosperous times that would take decades to recover.

Two centuries later, thanks to advanced production methods and new growing practices, the region has recovered its vine growing potential and improved the quality of its winemaking process.

three colourful grape clusters against a wall

Grape varieties and terroir

One of the most captivating aspects of D.O. Empordà is the diversity of its terroir, shaped by rugged hills and the Tramuntana wind that sweeps through the vineyards.

With an average temperature of 15ºC and a rainfall of 600 liters per year, the region’s mild winters and hot summers create an ideal environment for high quality winemaking, allowing for the cultivation of a wide range of grape varieties.

The main red ones include Garnatxa and Carinyena, along with the whites Macabeu and Garnatxa Blanca, producing wines that reflect the region's Mediterranean climate.

In recent years, winemakers have also embraced the cultivation of international varieties such as Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, blending them with local grapes to create unique and innovative wines.

plain fields from emporda wine region in catalonia

Vineyards by the sea

Another aspect that makes D.O. Empordà a unique wine region in Catalonia is the large extension of its growing area, covering around 2000 hectares.

Divided into the 2 subregions Alt (higher) and Baix (lower) Empordà, the exceptional diversity of its terroir ensembles this region into a beautiful land of contrasts:

Bordering the Pyrenees mountain range to the north and the Mediterranean coast to the east, the Alt Empordà is located in the north-east of Catalonia. Its production stands out for the bold and full-bodied red wines, where the Garnatxa and Carinyena grapes reign supreme.

Further south, the Baix Empordà enjoys a milder climate and vast coastal plains, overlooked by the imponent Begur Massif. The production highlights in this area include the refreshing whites, characterized by their bright acidity and citrus notes.

seaside of the emporda wine region

D.O. Empordà wines

Empordà is renowned for its red wines, which thrive in the region's warm, sun-drenched climate. These grapes yield bold, full-bodied wines with rich flavors of ripe berries, spices, and earthy undertones.

For white wine enthusiasts, Empordà offers an equally exciting selection, with varieties such as Garnatxa Blanca, Macabeu, and Muscat d'Alexandria. These grapes produce crisp, refreshing wines characterized by floral aromas and a vibrant acidity that pairs perfectly with the seafood dishes of the region.

A speciality of the area is the Garnatxa de l'Empordà, a naturally sweet wine produced from the Garnatxa grape. Full-bodied, well-ripen and silky, it makes an exceptional dessert wine, only to compete with the area's iconic Moscatell.

The organic wines produced from overripe grapes, Mistelles, and the region’s small but fine sparkling wine production complete the range of wines elaborated in this D.O.

an old boat in a mediterranean fishing village

Final thoughts

The D.O. Empordà wine region is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. With its ancient vineyards, grape diversity, and Mediterranean climate, Empordà wines are one of the best examples from Catalonia's long winemaking tradition.

Whether you're a seasoned wine expert or a curious enthusiast, a visit to Empordà promises to delight your senses and ignite a newfound appreciation for the art of winemaking.

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