Barcelona wines: Top 5 Local Wines to Order in Barcelona – Devour Tours

Top 5 Local Wines to Order in Barcelona – Devour Tours

February 25, 2022

There is so much more to Spanish wine than just Rioja and Ribera!

In fact, the nation is home to more than 70 different recognized wine regions, 11 of which are in Catalonia! That means that all around Barcelona, exciting things are happening in the world of wine. You may be surprised to learn that many locals tend to drink regionally, often ordering wines that are produced right here in Catalonia. If you’re looking for the best wines to order in Barcelona to really feel like a local, here are our top 5 picks.

1. Priorat

Winemaking is anything but easy in Priorat. With just over 60 bodegas growing their grapes in seemingly unpromising terrain (think slate soil and steep hillsides) south of Barcelona, yield here is remarkably low. However, what they do manage to produce is among the highest quality wine in the country. In fact, it’s one of just two Spanish wine regions to earn the prestigious D. O.C. (denominación de origen calificada) seal—the other being the more famous Rioja!

The special properties in the difficult terrain make Priorat an incredibly sought-after wine. It’s also one of the more expensive wines to order in Barcelona. However, that just makes it the perfect way to treat yourself at one of Barcelona’s top wine bars!

When it comes to Priorat wines, bold, elegant reds are the star of the show.

2. Penedès

The winemaking region of Penedès, less than an hour away from Barcelona, is steeped in storied tradition. Winemaking here dates back to the sixth century B.C. and has evolved to the point that Penedès is now the most significant wine region in Catalonia. It features diverse terrain, making it perfect to cultivate a wide variety of grapes. (However, remember that in Spain we usually order wine by the region—not by the grape!)

Penedès wines are among the most popular wines to order in Barcelona among locals due to their variety. In addition to a diverse range of classic reds and whites, it is also one of the foremost producers of cava in all of Spain.

We’re always up for some crisp local cava!

3. Montsant

Once part of the nearby D.O Tarragona region, Montsant struck out on its own thanks to the unique climate and terrain in the mountains of the same name where their wines are produced. It has gone on to become one of the most respected and largest winemaking regions in Catalonia. Many of its wines are exported as well—perfect for enjoying back home after your trip to Barcelona has ended!

Montsant is known for their young, fresh red wines. They are also the best wines to order in Barcelona for those who observe a kosher diet—they are the only wine region in Catalonia (and one of the few in Spain) that produces kosher wines!

4. Conca de Barberà

Although this popular winemaking region in the Catalan province of Tarragona only received D.O. status in the 1980s, Conca de Barberà holds a long history of producing some of the best wines in the region. Winemaking here dates back to Roman times, but became especially important during the Middle Ages. The unique erosive action of the Francolí and Anguera rivers makes for perfectly fertile soil where 860 growers cultivate their grapes.

This region is famous for its indigenous grape variety, Trepat. Traditionally used to make rosés; younger, more experimental wine makers have had great success making very elegant medium-bodied reds from this variety in recent years.

You won’t be disappointed with a glass of Trepat from Conca de Barberà!

5. Alella

This small region less than half an hour from Barcelona is home to just nine wineries. However, what Alella lacks in size, it makes up for in seriously spectacular wine. Alella wines were first produced during Roman times and went on to become the personal favorite wines of the court of the Kings of Aragón! Today, due to its privileged location near Barcelona, it enjoys a status as the world’s only remaining “urban” wine region.

Alella’s Maresme wines are among the most popular wines to order in Barcelona. The unique soil and Mediterranean coastal location of Maresme gives the wine from this area of Alella a low acidity content. Another popular area within the Alella DO is Valles, whose wines features a much stronger flavor due to its location on the inland mountains.

What Alella is most famous for, though, are its white wines made from the Pansa Blanca (or Xarel-lo) grape. These wines are typically light, young and fresh.

Alella might just be one of the most beautiful wine regions in Spain!

Introduction to Catalan Wines (And What to Order in Barcelona!) – Devour Tours

May 6, 2022

When it comes to wine, Barcelona is the place to be!

Wine holds a very special place in Spanish and Catalan cultures. It’s the perfect mix of elegant and accessible, so you can be sure you’re enjoying a high quality vino with no trace of pretentiousness. And as home to several of Spain’s 70+ wine regions, Catalonia is one of the most diverse places to drink wine! In this introduction to Catalan wines, we’ll explore what makes these regions so special—as well as which wines to order in Barcelona!

All about Catalan wines

Just as the Catalan people pride themselves on their fierce, passionate independent spirit, Catalan wines also stand in a league of their own. Most varieties forgo the tempranillo grape so common in other Spanish wines in favor of garnacha and carginan grapes. As a result, Catalan wines feature a fuller body and a higher alcohol content than their Spanish counterparts.

Another factor that sets Catalan wines apart is the beautiful coastal Mediterranean climate in the region. With a picture perfect setting between the mountains and the sea, the vineyards in the region are ideal for producing rich, varied wines, the likes of which you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

In some parts of Catalonia, lush green vineyards roll right up to the Mediterranean.

All throughout Spain, locals tend to favor regionally produced wines, and Barcelona is no different. When it comes to drinking wine like a local here, Catalan wines are key! Next, we’ll take a look at some of the best Catalan wines to order in Barcelona.

Escape to Catalan wine country with us! Our Barcelona Winery Tour with Organic Wine Tasting & Farm-to-Table Lunch is a must for wine lovers. This day trip will whisk you away to one of Catalonia’s most idyllic vineyards (just a stone’s throw from Barcelona!) where you’ll learn the secrets of local winemaking. Of course, you’ll also get to sample some of the local food and wine over a leisurely lunch!

Regional wines to try in Barcelona

With nearly a dozen wine regions dotting the Catalan countryside, there’s no shortage of outstanding local wines to try when visiting Barcelona. One of the most popular varieties among locals is D.O. Penedès. With a winemaking tradition that dates back to the sixth century B.C., winemakers here have certainly perfected their craft. As one of Spain’s most prolific wine regions, Penedès produces mainly fine dry reds and whites, in addition to some of the best cava in the country.

Do as the locals do: order regional Catalan wines to go with your tapas!

Another standout among Catalan wines is the Priorat region. As home to just over sixty bodegas growing their grapes in less-than-promising soil, yield here is remarkably low compared to other Spanish wine regions. However, while the results are few, they get turned into some of the highest quality wines in Catalonia. Among the more expensive Catalan wines, Priorat varieties are a must-try for any wine connoisseur.

Rich reds are very characteristic of the Priorat region!

Cava and vermouth

We can’t talk about Catalan wines without discussing two of the most popular! Although their production isn’t limited to any one geographic area in Spain, cava and vermouth form an integral part of the local wine culture.

As Spain’s contribution to the sparkling wine scene, cava is just as delicious as French champagne and Italian prosecco (and often much less expensive!). And as a bonus, more than 90 percent of cava in the entire country comes from Catalonia! With less pretentiousness attached to it than other sparkling wines, cava is best enjoyed at any time of day. You don’t need to wait for a special occasion to visit one of Barcelona’s numerous cava bars!

Cava turns any gathering into a celebration!

Finally, wine lovers can’t leave Barcelona without trying vermouth! (Yes, vermouth is technically a white wine, making it one of our favorite Catalan wines!) This classic drink is enjoying a resurgence in popularity all over Spain in recent years, and Barcelona is no different. Once thought of as something your grandpa might drink, it’s now a favorite aperitif for wine fans of all ages, who pack into Barcelona’s best vermouth bars to enjoy it.

Want to learn more about the Catalan capital’s famous vermouth tradition? Devour Barcelona expert guide Victoria tells you all you need to know in the video below!

Wine in Barcelona – Barcelona10

Wine in Barcelona is a matter of national pride. Without a glass of fragrant drink, not a single meal passes, and on holidays, wine flows like water. In Catalonia there are a dozen provinces on the territory of more than 70,000 hectares of land, which since ancient times have specialized exclusively in the art of winemaking. The choice of wine in the local lands is great and worthy, and the prices, as before, remain very, very attractive for many Russians.

1
Where to buy wine?

2
Wine selection

3
White wines

4
Rose wines

5
Red wines

6
Kava

Where to buy wine?

In the capital of the Mediterranean, there will be no problem with buying good wine. The most straightforward and economical way is to go to the nearest supermarket. Here you can buy a bottle of good quality for daily meals at very optimistic prices – from 1 to 3 euros per bottle. The best range of wine in Barcelona is offered by Alcampo, known to the Russian consumer as Auchan.

In numerous specialty stores and markets, buying wine is treated as an attraction. Before making a choice, you can taste the varieties you like. In addition, organic varieties of the drink are sold here. Thus, the famous Vila Viniteca store in the Gothic Quarter offers more than 4,500 types of wine. Experienced sommeliers with knowledge of the matter will help guests in the selection.

Many travel companies include in their excursions visits to authentic, usually located in the cozy suburbs of Barcelona. In the vaulted cellars, guests taste the best varieties straight from oak barrels, accompanied by delicious snacks and wonderful natural views. During the tour, the owners of wineries share the secrets of their craft.

Every self-respecting decent restaurant in the city also has an extensive enonteka. Both young varieties and wines aged up to several decades are stored here. At the same time, it is absolutely not necessary to stay here for an expensive dinner, but you can just have a glass or two with or without tapas. For example, Viblioteca, a small restaurant in the heart of the artistic district of Gracia, is ideal for romantic meetings and offers a large selection of quality wines.

Wine selection

Spain has long been recognized as one of the best wine producers in the world, with red varieties considered the most solid. To avoid misunderstandings when choosing a bottle, it is worth remembering that almost all wines in Barcelona will be either dry or dessert a priori. Not everyone knows also that the famous sangria is not a type of wine, but a cocktail based on it, with the addition of fruits and strong alcoholic drinks.

Spain’s most competent wine guide, Los Supervinos, has presented a revision of this year’s best current varieties. The list only includes those bottles that can be found in supermarkets for prices not exceeding 15 euros.

White wines

Atalaya do mar Godello (D. O. Monterrei) . Wine of golden yellow color with aromas of honeysuckle, apples and sweet fruits. The taste is fresh, mineral and somewhat balsamic. The texture is glycerin, similar to egg white. 13 degrees. Price: 3.10 euros. Where to buy: Carrefour.

Marques de Vizhoja . Historical white wine from the mouth of Aros, golden yellow in color, with fruity aromas, intense melon flavors and a long aftertaste. Price: 4.19Euro. Where to buy: El Corte Inglés, Alcampo and Gadisa.

Marqués de Riscal Verdejo 2013 (D.O. Rueda) . Herbal aroma, dry taste with a hint of fruit and cashew flavor. Price: 6.69 euros. Where to buy: Carrefour, Eroski, El Corte Ingles, Mercadona, CONSUM, Caprabo, DIA.

Rosé wines

Torondos Rosado (D.O. Cigales) . Contains 20% white grapes. Wine of fine bouquet, fragrant, fresh and slightly sour. The finish is long and refined. Price: 2.70 euros. Where to buy: El Corte Ingles.

Tesoro de Bullas Rosado (D.O. Bullas) . Bright wine of cherry or ruby flowers, intense aroma of fruit syrup and liquorice. Fresh drink has a delicate texture and delicate taste – fruity, mineral and slightly balsamic. Price: 2.88 euros. Where to buy: Carrefour.

Señorío de Sarría Rosado Garnacha (D.O. Navarra) . The wine is made from the sweet garnacha grape. Unctuous and mineral, with a delicate oily texture, primary fruit aromas and a long aftertaste. Price: 3.61 euros. Where to buy: El Corte Ingles.

Añacal Rosado (D.O. Utiel-Requena) . Bright, sparkling and aromatic wine with a natural fruit flavor and acidity. It has a berry flavor of wild strawberries, strawberries and red currants. Price: 6.30 euros. Where to buy: El Corte Ingles.

Ermita d’Espiells Rosé (D.O. Penedès) . Created from the Pinot Noir grape variety. It is characterized by cherry color, fruity aromas of strawberries and wild strawberries, thick, fresh, mineral and slightly medicinal taste. Price: 6.58 euros. Where to buy: Alcampo.

Red wines

El Hayedo Tinto Joven . The wine from Tierra de Extremadura is made from tempranillo grapes, has a fruity taste and woody flavor and a special freshness. Characterized by primary aromas with hints of vanilla and a long aftertaste. Price: 1.47 euros. Where to buy: Carrefour.

Palacio de Leon Tinto Barrica Cuvee . Wine from Tierra de Castile and Leon is aged for six months in American oak barrels. The ruby-red color of the drink gives a fruity aroma with a woody tinge. Price: 2.70 euros. Where to buy: El Corte Ingles, Alimerka, Gadisa and Eroski.

Juan de Juanes Vendimia Oro Tinto Reserva (D.O. Valencia) . Luxurious organoleptic palette of aromas and flavors in a scarlet-colored drink with a hint of dark sapphire. It has aromas of blackberry and Mediterranean dwarf birch. Price: 4.75 euros. Where to buy: Carrefour, Auchan, El Corte Ingles, CONSUM.

Finca Constancia Tinto Reserva . Wine from Tierra de Castilla, aged for thirteen months in French oak, pleases with a bouquet of flavors of Irish butter, menthol and tannin. Wine with ripe aromas of spices and soaked fruit. 14 degrees. Price: 6.85 euros. Where to buy: El Corte Ingles and Alcampo.

Dairo Crianza (D.O. Montsant) . Sensual, spicy, fragrant wine aged two years with a unique aroma of blackberries, licorice, thyme and rosemary. In the mouth, liquid, dry and mineral. Price: 4.99 euros. Where to buy: El Corte Ingles, Eroski, Caprabo, Carrefour, Alcampo, CONSUM and Supeco Maxor.

The most popular holiday drink in Catalonia has always been cava, the lion’s share of which comes to shops from the picturesque province of Penedès. Local dry sparkling wine was originally called “cellar champagne”. Subsequently, the French term was abandoned, leaving only the second, local part of the name. The indisputable advantage of this variety is the complete absence of sugar in its composition – grapes soaked in the sun’s rays produce a sufficient amount of natural sweetness. Every supermarket in Barcelona offers a range of inexpensive sparkling wines. For those who prefer the best in everything, the following varieties are recommended:

Privat Bruel Natural will give you a clean, fresh and noble taste with a rich apple and mineral flavor. Price: 15.90 euros.

Milesimé Brut 2001 will be appreciated by noble lovers of white Burgundy. It has characteristic notes of apple, white flowers and cream. It is famous for its sensual aroma and dense texture. Price: 21.40 euros.

Celler Batlle Brut Nature is a wine with a unique character. It combines the taste of white fruits with notes of fresh pastries, butter, dried apricots and nuts. It has a silky texture and long lasting fragrance. Price: 50.90 euro.

Barcelona and Catalonia will not leave indifferent true connoisseurs of the ancient drink, and the value for money will be an additional pleasant surprise. The right bottle of wine, of course, remains one of the most successful souvenirs for loved ones.