Penedès DO
The leading designation of origin
The leading designation of origin in Catalonia
A visit to the DO Penedès wineries is a journey into the history of Catalonia's wines.
A privileged territory for wine production
Penedès is Catalonia’s most productive Denominació d’Origen or Designation of Origin (DO). It covers a surface area of more than 24,000 hectares and encompasses more than 3,700 wine growers at 188 wineries. Its origins date back to the Roman period, but it was in the 18th century and even more so in the 19th century when it became the leading DO of Catalan wine. A visit to the wineries of this DO is a trip through the history of wine in Catalonia.
Midway between Barcelona and Tarragona, Penedès is a privileged zone for wine production. It has a wide variety of microclimates due to its proximity to the coast and its altitude, which ranges from 250 to 800 metres above sea level. Divided into three zones, Baix Penedès, Penedès Mitjà and Penedès Superior, it is an area suitable for the cultivation of both red and white varieties, including Subirat Parent, Macabeu, Chardonnay, Parellada, Ull de Llebre, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Xarel·lo is the most cultivated variety and the DO’s most popular, as it is resistant to drought and heat and offers a very balanced production. Xarel·lo, along with other varieties like Parellada and Macabeu, is used to make cava, the DO’s most popular wine and the one responsible for its renown.
Three of the country’s most important wineries, Jean Leon, Torres and Freixenet, are located in Penedès.
Points of interest
- Sant Sadurní d’Anoia
- Vilafranca del Penedès
