Penedès DO

Overview

Penedès is Catalonia’s most famous still wine region and the birthplace of Cava, Spain’s traditional method sparkling wine. Located southwest of Barcelona, this diverse appellation produces fresh whites from indigenous varieties like Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada, alongside quality reds from both Spanish and international varieties. The region’s three distinct altitude zones—Baix (low), Mitjà (middle), and Alt (high)—create remarkable diversity within a single DO.

Geography & Climate

Location: Catalonia; southwest of Barcelona; coastal to mountains

Size: ~18,000 ha

Elevation: 0-800m (sea level to mountain)

Climate: Varies by altitude

Growing Degree Days: 1,500-2,200 GDD (varies)
Rainfall: 500-600mm
Temperature: Mediterranean moderated by altitude

The Three Zones:

Zone	Altitude	Character
Baix Penedès	0-200m	Warm; red varieties
Mitjà Penedès	200-500m	Classic; white varieties
Alt Penedès	500-800m	Cool; aromatic whites

Key Characteristic: Altitude diversity = climate diversity = style range.

Wine Styles

White Wines (Traditional Strength)

Indigenous Varieties:

Xarel·lo: Character grape; mineral, textured
Macabeo (Viura): Neutral; fresh
Parellada: Aromatic; floral

International:

Chardonnay: Quality examples
Sauvignon Blanc: Growing

Red Wines

Spanish Varieties:

Tempranillo (Ull de Llebre)
Garnacha
Monastrell

International (pioneered here):

Cabernet Sauvignon: Torres legacy
Merlot
Pinot Noir (high altitude)

Cava Connection

Note: Cava DO overlaps Penedès; most Cava from here

Uses same indigenous white grapes
Traditional method
Separate DO designation

Classification & Regulations

DO Requirements:

Parameter	Requirement
Varieties	Approved indigenous + international
Yields	Varies by variety
Aging	Categories for red

Flexibility: Both indigenous and international permitted

History

Timeline:

Greek/Roman: Viticulture established
Medieval: Monastery wines
1872: First Cava produced
1960: DO established
1979: Torres Mas La Plana wins Paris tasting
Today: Quality still wine + Cava

The 1979 Tasting: Torres Mas La Plana (Cabernet) beat top Bordeaux; proved Spanish potential.

Key Constraints & Production Notes

Altitude Selection:

Zone	Best For
Baix	Red varieties; earlier ripening
Mitjà	Classic whites; Cava
Alt	Aromatic whites; Pinot Noir

Viticulture:

Traditional gobelet (old vines)
Modern trellising
Organic movement growing

Winemaking:

Stainless steel (whites)
Oak aging (reds)
Traditional method (Cava)

Aging Potential:

Whites: 2-6 years
Reds: 5-15 years

Notable Producers

Quality Benchmarks:

Torres (pioneer; benchmark)
Jean Leon
Albet i Noya (organic pioneer)
Gramona (Cava excellence)
Juvé & Camps
Raventós i Blanc (Conca del Riu Anoia)
Can Ràfols dels Caus
Parés Baltà

Torres: Family that proved Spanish wine could compete globally; Mas La Plana legacy.

The Xarel·lo Renaissance

Indigenous Identity

Why Xarel·lo Matters:

Uniquely Catalan
Character and texture
Ages well
Identity grape for still wines
Different from neutral Cava base

Leading Producers: Can Ràfols dels Caus, Albet i Noya (old-vine Xarel·lo)

Cava vs. Penedès

Aspect	Cava DO	Penedès DO
Wine Type	Sparkling	Still
Method	Traditional method	Various
Geographic	Multi-region	Single region
Primary Use	Sparkling base	Table wine

Common Challenges

Cava Overshadowing

Cause: Cava dominates perception.
Risk: Still wines overlooked.
Response: Xarel·lo identity; quality reds.

Identity Definition

Cause: International varieties; Cava overlap.
Risk: Unclear positioning.
Response: Indigenous focus; terroir communication.

References

DO Penedès (2025). “Pliego de Condiciones.” Link
INCAVI (Catalan Wine Institute).
Robinson, J., et al. (2006). “The Oxford Companion to Wine.” Oxford University Press. Publisher Link

Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Data Sources: DO Penedès, INCAVI
Research Grade: Technical reference

Permitted Varieties