Wineries on the Catalan Coast

The vine, a symbol par excellence of Mediterranean culture, is one of the identifying values of the counties of the Catalan Coast, both for the overwhelming extension of its cultivation and the uniqueness of its produce. With six denominations of origin of wine and many of its territories included in the "cava" denomination of origin, the Catalan Coast boasts an exceptional variety of wine landscapes.

JEAN LEÓN WINERIES
The Méridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa offers its guests one free entry per person as part of the "Unlock Art" initiative.
Visitors to the Jean León winery and vineyards can enjoy a contemporary cultural experience. The "Jean León Estate", in the heart of the Penedès region and founded by the winemaker Jean León, combines the very latest techniques for producing varietals from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Chardonnay grapes, all from prestigious French wineries, such as Lafite Rothschild, La Lagune and Corton-Charlemagne.
The quality of Jean León wines has been recognised at numerous international competitions and tastings, most notably the award given in 1993 by the international publication WINE, which chose Jean León Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva ‘83 as one of the eight best wines in the world. It is well-known as one of the first wineries in Spain to ferment white wines in oak barrels.
The new visitor centre, designed by Domingo Triay and integrated naturally into the landscape of vineyards, runs tours and tastings throughout the year.
   Timetables
      Monday & Saturday: from 9.30 to 17.30 hrs.
      Sunday & Bank Holidays: from 9.30 to 13.00 hrs
      www.jeanleon.com

TORRES WINERIES
The Torres name has been linked to winemaking for more than three centuries, when the family first settled in Penedès, where vines had been cultivated since the Phoenician period.
The use of cutting-edge viticulture and winemaking techniques alongside traditional methods, combined with a decision not to use chemical products has helped to ensure the success of Torres.
Awards
- Premio Príncipe Felipe a la Excelencia Empresarial (2004)
- Best European Winery of the Year, Wine Enthusiast (2006)
- Wine personality of the Year a la Innovación por la revista inglesa Wine International (2005)
- Man of the year (Miguel A. Torres), Decanter (2002)
- Best Winery of the Year, Wine Gourmet Guide (2000)
- Wine Spectator Prize to the Most Important Winery of the Year (2000)
  Timetable
     Monday to Friday & Bank Holidays: 9:00 h to 17:00 h
     Saturday: 9:00 h to 18:00 h
     Sunday and festivities:  9:00 h to 13:00 h
     Closed: 25th & 26th December, 1st & 6th January
     www.torres.es

DENOMINATIONS OF ORIGIN
Vines nearly 100 years old grown on the slopes and terraces of the Priorat and the Sierra del Montsant form an austere landscape that contrasts sharply with the plains of the Camp de Tarragona and Penedès. The more undulating landscape of the Terra Alta and part of Conca de Barberá add further variety to the landscape. The mosaic of farms is shared with other typically Mediterranean crops such as olives, cereals, almonds and hazelnuts.

1. PENEDES DENOMINATION OF ORIGIN
The Mediterranean-influenced climate is very varied and creates privileged conditions in Penedès, enabling a wide range of fine, high quality wines to be produced there. The Penedès Denomination of Origin indicates medium-strength wines that are light, fresh, fruity, and aromatic. The reds are smooth and velvety, complex and elegant with a strong character, although they are produced in lesser quantities than the whites.
Grape Variety:
- White: Macabeo, Xarel•lo, Parellada, Subirat parent
- Red: Garnatxa ,Carinyena ,Monastrell, Ull de llebre, Samsó, Cabernet Sauvignon

2. PRIORATO DENOMINATION OF ORIGIN
Priorat is craft and tradition; old, robust vines that grow and are born in the inland counties on steep banks and chalky terraces that are of limited fertility and are difficult to cultivate. The area's climate is markedly temperate and dry, and much cooler than the coast. The Maçola red grape is the key to the current Priorat wines. Grenache is also grown, albeit less abundantly. These two varieties, if carefully combined, create robust, crimson, densely flavoured reds bursting with intense aromas. Some white grapes are grown in token quantities: Grenache, Macabeo and Pedro Ximénez. Alongside these wines, tradition has upheld the production of other rancio wines, aged slowly in barrels and packed full of personality and feeling.
Grape Variety:
- White: Garnatxa blanca, Macabeo, Pero Ximenez
- Red: Garnatxa, Garnatxa peluda, Carinyena

3. D.O. CONCA DE BARBERA
The cultivation of vines in this region is an ancient tradition, and is currently its main farming crop. Rosé, white, red and sparkling wines are all produced. The wines are medium strength, light wines with good acidity and a delicate fruity aroma.
Grape Variety:
- White: Macabeo, Parellada
- Red: Garnatxa, Trepat, Ull de llebre

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