Over the weekend, the Voluntariat Lingüístic program at Universitat Pompeu Fabra took us on a cultural excursion to a traditional Catalan winery in the Penedès wine region. As part of their mission to promote the Catalan language and culture, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the world of winemaking. Our adventure began in the picturesque wineries of Penedès, where we were introduced to the rich history and traditions of this renowned wine region.
Our journey commences in the picturesque wineries of Penedès, where the vibrant countryside offers a refreshing change from the bustling streets of Barcelona. As we venture through the lush greenery that stretches for miles, the magnificent Montserrat catches our eye, standing proudly along the road. Traversing the grape farms on foot, we make our way to the winery, accompanied by an exceptional tour guide who enlightens us about the captivating wine history of Catalonia.
Once considered relatively unknown and lacking in prestige, Catalan wine has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years. In the past, grape farmers in Catalonia would often sell their grapes to other wineries, allowing them to be produced under different names. However, the Catalans soon realized the exceptional quality of their grapes and decided to create their own wines, rather than selling them off.
A fascinating tidbit of history reveals that a devastating plague, caused by the Phylloxera insect, decimated vineyards across Europe in the late 19th century. Fortunately, American grapevines proved resistant to this destructive pest, as Phylloxera is native to the United States. To save European grapevines, a technique known as grafting was employed, whereby the lower root of American grapevines was utilized, while the upper portion consisted of European varieties.
This ingenious method not only saved the European grapevines but also played a significant role in the resurgence of Catalan wine. Today, Catalan wines have gained international recognition and are celebrated for their exceptional quality and unique flavors. As we continue our journey through the wineries of Penedès, we are filled with admiration for the resilience and innovation of the Catalan winemakers, who have transformed their region into a renowned hub of viticulture.
After a long hike, we reached Vin’s El Cep, a local winery founded by four families, as indicated by their logo. We decided to have a picnic and indulge in the tasting of three exquisite wines produced by this esteemed winery.
Our tasting journey began with the OT De Vins El Cep Rosat de Terrer, a delightful rosé made exclusively from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Its vibrant color and refreshing taste were the perfect way to start our wine experience.
Next, we savored the OT De Vins El Cep Blanc de Terrer, a captivating white wine crafted from 100% Xarel•lo grapes. Its crisp and elegant flavors danced on our palates, leaving us enchanted by its unique character.
Finally, we indulged in the OT De Vins El Cep Negre de Terrer, a captivating red wine created from a harmonious blend of Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its rich and complex profile delighted our senses, showcasing the winery’s expertise in producing exceptional red wines.
Each sip was a testament to the passion and dedication of the families behind Vin’s El Cep, and we were grateful to have experienced the fruits of their labor.
The white wine was my favorite, from 100% Xarel•lo that is exclusively grown in Catalonia
I want to give a special shoutout to Cava, a sparkling wine that holds a special place in my heart. While Champagne is well-known, Cava deserves recognition too. Made using the same traditional methods as Champagne, Cava is exclusively produced in Catalonia, Spain. It’s a way for me to show my appreciation for this region that means so much to me. So, next time you’re in the mood for bubbly, I highly recommend trying a bottle of Cava instead of Champagne.
