DO Penedes

Geography

DO Penedes is to the northeast of DO Tarragona and is south of the DO Pla de Bages within Catalonia.  The Denominacion is split into three areas.  From coast to the mountains they are: Baix Penedes, Mitja-Penedes and Alt-Penedes.  The Sierra de Montserrat are to the north of the DO. 

Climate    

On the whole, the climate within Penedes is Mediterranean.  The warmest area is the Baja-Penedes but is tempered by the Mediterranean.  The microclimates within the DO vary depending on the proximity to the Mediterranean or the altitude of the vineyards.

     Average temperature:  36F-82F.

     Average rainfall:  Between 19-24 inches annually.

     Sunshine hours:  Approximately 2,500 hours each year.

Hazards

Hail.

Soil

The soil of the DO are fairly deep with a higher limestone content in the lower altitude vineyards and higher chalk content in the higher altitude vineyards.  There is more sand towards the coast and clay in the mountains.

Grapes

Whites - Macabeo, Xarello, Parellada, Subirat-Parent, Chardonnay.
Reds - Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha Tinta, Carinena, Monastrell, Samso, Merlot

Wine Styles & Alcoholic Strength

All flavors and styles are made in Penedes.  A good amount of the production goes into DO Cava, which is produced with grapes from Penedes and a few other Spanish DOs. 

White (9%-13%)
     Joven
     Espumoso (10.8%-12.8%)
     Aguja (10%-13%)
     Dulce
     Rancio

Rose (10%-13%)
     Joven
     Crianza
     Reserva
     Gran Reserva

Red (10%-14%)
     Joven
     Crianza
     Reserva
     Gran Reserva
     Rancio

Aging Requirements

Crianza - Minimum 24 months aging with a minimum of 6 months in oak.
Reserva - Minimum 36 months aging with a minimum of 12 months in oak.
Gran Reserva - Minimum 60 months aging with a minimum 24 months in oak.

Yields

White - 86.5 hl/ha.
Red - 69 hl/ha.

Viticulture

Traditional vineyards are trained en vaso while the more modern vineayrds are grown on wires or trellises and pruned using the cordon, Guyot, or Royat method.

Vineyard Altitude

Baix-Penedes has vineyards from sea level to roughly 800 feet.  The vineyards of Mitja-Penedes are located on rolling hills between 800-1,600 feet.  Those located within the Alt-Penedes are planted up to 2,600 feet.

Vineyard Area

Roughly 27,800 hectares (68,600 acres)

Production

2003:  Roughly 518,000 hectoliters (13,675,000 gallons)
2004:  Roughly 468,000 hectoliters (12,355,000 gallons)

Wine Regions

Baix-Penedes
Mitja-Penedes
Alt-Penedes