Catalonia, Spain is known for many of its exceptional attributes from the welcoming Mediterranean beaches to the ancient architecture throughout the region, but an interest of most is the wine this region produces. With nine Denominación de Origen (DO) classified regions; Catalonia has a long winemaking tradition.
Catalonia was the birthplace of the Spanish sparkling wine, Cava. Cava can be produced in 6 regions, however 95% of production occurs in the Penedès region. In order for the wines to be called ‘Cava’, they must be made in the traditional méthode champenoise.
Another Spanish wine worth noting is a fortified wine named Sherry produced in Southern Spain. It mostly made from the Palomino grape and has many categories varying in alcohol percent levels. The European Union restricted the use of name “Sherry” to the wine made from this region so you will know it is authentic when you see it.
When cycling down the coast of the Mediterranean and through the Catalan vineyards make sure you stop and taste some of the delectable wines the region has to offer.