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Catalonia's wine cellars: the pride of Spain and world legends
Wine in Spain is such a great part of culture and history that it is difficult to imagine getting to know this country without visiting wine cellars or tastings. Vineyards and wineries formed the life and characteristics of the regions, and related cycles and events are closely intertwined in the traditions of recreation and celebrations. Considering the fact that many cellars are also interesting from the point of view of ancient architecture, it turns out that the way to get acquainted with Spain is ... through wine!
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The birth of wine traditions in Spain
Winemaking on the territory of the Iberian Peninsula has been known since the time of the ancient Iberians. Later, the active wine trade was set up by the Phoenicians and Greeks, and archaeological finds prove that after the Roman conquests, Spanish wines were distributed throughout the Empire.
However, wine-making in Spain did not develop in a linear way: the Moors who conquered the Peninsula destroyed a huge number of vineyards, and the struggle between Christians and Muslims, which lasted several centuries, did not contribute to the development of this sector of economy.
Spanish wine began to play with new colors after the Reconquista. The favorable climate, love of southern peoples for alcoholic drinks and holidays, and the development of international trade led to the restoration of winemaking and spread of Spanish drinks throughout Europe. Back in the Middle Ages, England was the leader in importing wine from Spain, and modern statistics show that the English can still be considered the main fans of southern wines.
However, wine-making in Spain did not develop in a linear way: the Moors who conquered the Peninsula destroyed a huge number of vineyards, and the struggle between Christians and Muslims, which lasted several centuries, did not contribute to the development of this sector of economy.
Spanish wine began to play with new colors after the Reconquista. The favorable climate, love of southern peoples for alcoholic drinks and holidays, and the development of international trade led to the restoration of winemaking and spread of Spanish drinks throughout Europe. Back in the Middle Ages, England was the leader in importing wine from Spain, and modern statistics show that the English can still be considered the main fans of southern wines.
Spain produces 15% of the world wine turnover.
The real flourishing of winemaking on the Peninsula occurred relatively recently – in the second half of the twentieth century. By this time, a variety of cultivated varieties and updated technologies had already been formed: local varieties were revived, American vines were imported, some wineries adopted the secrets of the French, and traditional technologies were updated and improved. Two family-owned enterprises that originated and still exist in the autonomous province of Catalonia ensured a real breakthrough and a strong position in the world market for Spain.
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Legendary winemakers of Catalonia
The history of Catalonian wine dates back to the fourth century BC, but modern wine houses were formed much later. Certainly, even one century for a company is a long time, especially when we speak about small family businesses.
Codorniu winery and the history of cava
The Codorníu brand was born back in 1551, but became widely known to the world only since the end of the nineteenth century. In 1872, the hereditary winemaker Josep Raventos launched the production of sparkling wine, later called "cava". Despite the fact that cava was originally made using the traditional technology for champagne wines, the modern drink still differs from champagne, and it's not only in the registered names – experts note a drier taste and characteristic citrus notes. Cava has become a true legend and one of the most famous Spanish wines.
Codorniu family winery is notable not only for its history and drinks. The Cavas Codorníu cellars, designed by the modernist architect Josep Puig y Cadafalch, are recognized as a historical monument and today are considered an exemplary production. The network of underground cellars has an ideal microclimate for secondary fermentation of cava, and the above-ground part impresses with a harmonious and original appearance. Codorniu wineries are open to the public, and they regularly guided tours, tastings and various events.
Torres Winery: Mas la Plana and other legends
The enterprise of the Catalan Torres family could become "one of" if not for the courage of one of its representatives – Miguel Torres. As head of the company, he brought the experience of foreign colleagues to the family traditions, began to cultivate new varieties of grapes, improve production and produce new brands of wine and brandy. The real recognition was the victory of Mas la Plana wine at the Paris wine Olympiad in 1979.
Torres brandies are no less famous in the world. The unique recipe and traditional cognac production technology of these drinks is highly appreciated all over the world, creating serious competition in the market of strong drinks.
Today, the Torres vineyards have gone far beyond the borders of Catalonia. Several plantations throughout Spain, as well as American estates, provide a variety of drinks and a strong international brand status. The Torres estate, near Barcelona, is open for tours for everyone – you can get acquainted not only with the history of the family business, but also walk through the vineyards, cellars and technological workshops.
The Codorníu brand was born back in 1551, but became widely known to the world only since the end of the nineteenth century. In 1872, the hereditary winemaker Josep Raventos launched the production of sparkling wine, later called "cava". Despite the fact that cava was originally made using the traditional technology for champagne wines, the modern drink still differs from champagne, and it's not only in the registered names – experts note a drier taste and characteristic citrus notes. Cava has become a true legend and one of the most famous Spanish wines.
Codorniu family winery is notable not only for its history and drinks. The Cavas Codorníu cellars, designed by the modernist architect Josep Puig y Cadafalch, are recognized as a historical monument and today are considered an exemplary production. The network of underground cellars has an ideal microclimate for secondary fermentation of cava, and the above-ground part impresses with a harmonious and original appearance. Codorniu wineries are open to the public, and they regularly guided tours, tastings and various events.
Torres Winery: Mas la Plana and other legends
The enterprise of the Catalan Torres family could become "one of" if not for the courage of one of its representatives – Miguel Torres. As head of the company, he brought the experience of foreign colleagues to the family traditions, began to cultivate new varieties of grapes, improve production and produce new brands of wine and brandy. The real recognition was the victory of Mas la Plana wine at the Paris wine Olympiad in 1979.
Torres brandies are no less famous in the world. The unique recipe and traditional cognac production technology of these drinks is highly appreciated all over the world, creating serious competition in the market of strong drinks.
Today, the Torres vineyards have gone far beyond the borders of Catalonia. Several plantations throughout Spain, as well as American estates, provide a variety of drinks and a strong international brand status. The Torres estate, near Barcelona, is open for tours for everyone – you can get acquainted not only with the history of the family business, but also walk through the vineyards, cellars and technological workshops.
Wine tasting and enological tourism
Proud of their wines, the Spaniards have made this industry a whole tourism destination. Throughout the country and in Catalonia in particular, not just wine shops are open, but cellars adapted for proper storage of beverages. The halls are usually furnished so that you can slowly taste drinks, get acquainted with the bottles on the shelves and choose wine for all occasions.
But perhaps the most interesting way to get to know the wine culture is to visit a winery. It is a special pleasure not just to taste drinks, but to learn their history, traditions of production and customs of use. If you are going to get acquainted with the wines of Catalonia - go to the cellars of Torres or Codorniu, where you can see the production of beverages that are highly valued around the world.
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Marina Gubareva
+ 34 649 121 941
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7/24
+ 34 649 121 941
WhatsApp , Viber , Telegram
7/24
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