Spain — wine

Penedes

Catalonia's largest wine region south of Barcelona, producing Cava (the finest Spanish sparkling wine) as well as serious still wines from Xarello, Macabeu, Parellada, and Garnacha. A region of extraordinary diversity from sea level to 800m altitude.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Outstanding vintage; Xarello-based Cava of exceptional freshness and aging potential.
2021 Elegant, focused vintage; high-altitude still wines showed the most complexity and restraint.
2020 Classic Penedes conditions; Garnacha and Carinena reds from old mountain vines excelled.
2019 Benchmark Cava vintage — Gramona and Recaredo produced their finest wines in years.
2018 Solid vintage; the native Catalan varieties Xarello and Parellada showed excellent freshness.