Guide to the best grape harvest festival activities across Catalonia
Events include wine tasting, vineyard visits and cultural outings
grapes
‘Iberoenology’ - resurrecting wine practices from 3,000 years ago
The faculty of oenology has adopted Iberian production techniques from ancient times
Catalan vineyard first in Europe to produce wine in a dry stone vat reviving an old method
Abadal wine cellar, in Pla de Bages appelation in central Catalonia, is the first in Europe to begin fermenting their grapes in big vats of dry Stone located outdoors, in the midst of the vineyards. The method is at once innovative and traditional, as it is the revival of an old tradition common in Europe during the 19th century. This Monday, experts in the making of wine tasted the results of the first vintage, of which there are 600 bottles that will not be sold. Many described the wine as "exceptional". According to Abadal winemaker Miguel Palau, the method is highly unconventionalbecause it allows the uncommon option of blending grapes, here all 10 varieties, together and fermenting them outdoors. The result is apparently sharp and fresh, with balsamic notes due to its unusual fermentation.
Alella wineries begin a grape harvest of “exceptional” quality and comparable to 2005
Alella wineries, in Greater Barcelona, have started this summer’s harvest, with predictions that this year’s vintage may be better than 2005 thanks to the absence of plant disease and favourable weather conditions throughout the year. For now, the only concern for winemakers is this August’s amount of heat, which could cause a drop in acidity.
Catalan wine favours quality over quantity
At the start of the new season, the wine sector hopes to win over restaurateurs and advisers in order to attract consumers and promote growth in domestic consumption.