{"title":"Wines of Catalonia","description":"\u003cp\u003eSome sixty kilometers from Barcelona, this strange mountain range has given its name to the town of Montserrat (meaning \"sawtooth\"). A land of legends, including that of the quest for the Holy Grail, the mountain is said to have been carved by angels armed with a golden saw. But it's also a hotspot for ufologists, and on the night between the 11th and 12th of every month, down below the monastery overlooking the town, people wait patiently for UFOs to land. Catalonia indeed is a land of character, shaped by a deeply rooted socio-political history of invasions and independence struggles, and nourished by a multi-faceted imaginary that mirrors the mosaic of landscapes and lands that blend together there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCatalonia retains many traces of its rich history. First, in terms of knowledge and know-how: the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula introduced the copper still and distillation methods; the expansion of viticulture and the introduction of new practices came from the monastic orders, for whom wine was indispensable for mass celebration. But these traces are also tangible, engraved in stone: the Museum of Vine Culture in Vilafranca del Penedès is housed in a 12th-century Gothic palace; the archaeological ruins of Empúries tell of the introduction of wine by the Greeks in the 6th century BC; the wine cellars in the Tàrraco area were used by the Romans two millennia ago; the Escaladei Carthusian abbey and the monasteries scattered around the region illustrate the expansion of vineyards in the Middle Ages; the dry-stone huts testify to the skills of ancient winegrowers, and the modern \"wine cathedrals\" tell us about the resurgence of peasantry after the phylloxera epidemic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough vineyards are mainly concentrated in the provinces of Barcelona and Tarragona, which together account for 84% of the region's vineyards, the diversity of terroirs is illustrated by the fact that Catalonia boasts twelve denominations of origin (and 300 wine cellars open to tourists). Recognition of the quality of the terroir was established in a 1932 statute. However, DO regulations were not published until 1954, due to the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War. They take into account grape varieties, winemaking techniques and the specific characteristics of the land, all of which coexist in a coherent space where, from one village to the next, from one hill to the next, wines have different consonances. Some AOCs are located in mountainous areas, where the vines are planted on terraces, as in the case of Priorat, which means \"priory\" in reference to the Carthusian monks who founded this vineyard on the schist hills of south-west Catalonia. Others are located on the plains, such as AOC Penedès, which stretches between Barcelona and Tarragona in a contrasting landscape, from seaside vineyards to flat fields and rolling hillsides. Others, like Montsant - named after the adjacent mountain - are mixed with other plantations such as almonds and olives, and their demarcation is not always clear-cut. Indeed, until 2001, the Montsant DOC area was considered a sub-area of Priorat.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"celler-credo-aloers-2019","title":"Celler Credo Aloes 2019","description":"\u003ch4\u003eAloers offers the freshest, most genuine expression of the Mediterranean Xarel·lo grown on calcareous soils.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmelling a glass of Aloers makes you wonder if there's a more elegant white wine than this. Even knowing the know-how of mother company Recaredo, we were pleasantly surprised by the wines of Celler Credo. The white Aloers is made exclusively with grapes from La Pedra Blanca family-owned vineyards in the county of Alt Penedès (Barcelona).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, the winery's extensive catalog is based on three pillars: Xarel·lo grapes, ecological and biodynamic farming, and attention to every detail. Celler Credo's wines are direct, honest and personal, they don't follow fashion nor do they seek superfluous effects; they allow the land where their grapes are grown to express itself freely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAloers, the name given in the Middle Ages to farmers who owned land and therefore had no tribute to pay, is one of the spearheads of the Credo project. The grapes macerate for a few hours with the stalk and then rest on their lees for 2 months, until they are transformed into a fresh, vibrant, moving wine that transports us to a meadow of yellow flowers and fennel, from which come distant aromas of pine and resin; these aromas are so delicate and complex at once that they become captivating. Unctuous, moderately saline and, above all, elegant - the hallmark of Recaredo and Celler Credo.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vins du Monde","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47456556581203,"sku":"3921","price":21.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/AloersNM.png?v=1706604568"},{"product_id":"alfredo-arribas-portal-del-priorat-trossos-sants-2019","title":"Alfredo Arribas – Portal del Priorat Trossos Sants 2019","description":"\u003ch4\u003eTrossos Sants is mainly made from Grenache Blanc grapes, which come from the few remaining old vines of this variety.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClear, pale yellow in color, Trossos Sants has a complex, fresh nose, with aromas of citrus, flowers and white fruits, and a deep, pervasive minerality. Fresh, unctuous and silky on the palate, well-structured and beautifully mature, notes of fennel and fresh herbs, pear, wax and dried fruit play a large part in a long, vibrant finish that calls for repetition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA renowned Barcelona architect, Alfredo Arribas could not fail to fall in love with Priorat and its landscapes shaped by man and time, an impressive succession of terraces and high hillsides surrounded by the Montsant mountains. In 2001, he acquired the 40-hectare Clos del Portal estate in the south of the denomination, near the villages of El Lloar and Bellmunt. The 14-hectare vineyard of old Grenache vines is cultivated organically and biodynamically on rare llicorella soils. The new winery has been designed to blend in perfectly with the natural amphitheatre formed by the vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vins du Monde","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47456556646739,"sku":"8785","price":23.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/Trossos_Sants_2019.png?v=1706693701"},{"product_id":"alfredo-arribas-portal-del-priorat-gotes-2020","title":"Alfredo Arribas - Portal del Priorat Gotes del Priorat 2020","description":"\u003ch4\u003eThe freshness of Priorato, produced in the high-altitude, windy areas of La Morera.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGotes del Priorat seduces us with its bouquet of balsams and a gentle note of liquorice. On tasting, it reveals a juicy, dynamic nature, where velvety tannins give way to a round of red fruits; cherries and wild blackberries intertwine in a concentrated embrace. The finish is complex. Proof that complexity is not incompatible with freshness: Gotes del Priorat is a noble wine, capable of seducing novices looking for immediate pleasure as well as the most demanding connoisseurs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA renowned Barcelona architect, Alfredo Arribas could not fail to fall in love with Priorat and its landscapes shaped by man and time, an impressive succession of terraces and high hillsides surrounded by the Montsant mountains. In 2001, he acquired the 40-hectare Clos del Portal estate in the south of the denomination, near the villages of El Lloar and Bellmunt. The 14-hectare vineyard of old Grenache vines is cultivated organically and biodynamically on rare llicorella soils. The new winery has been designed to blend in perfectly with the natural amphitheatre formed by the vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vins du Monde","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47456556745043,"sku":"9584","price":22.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/Gotes_DelPriorat_2019.png?v=1706693638"},{"product_id":"sara-y-rene-barbier-sindicat-la-figuera-2021","title":"Sara und René Barbier Sindicat La Figuera 2021","description":"\u003ch4\u003eThe Montsant tradition bottled by René Barbier.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSindicat La Figuera was originally a small Catalan cooperative in the Montsant mountains, founded in 1932, producing brilliant, pure wines. In 1950, a great storm devastated the village and vineyards, emptying the area of its population. Although a few winegrowers replanted vines of Garnatxa, there were only 3 winegrowers left. René Barbier decided to join them to help with the vinification. La Figuera is known for the beauty and elegance of its 25 hectares of pure Grenache on limestone soils. The vines, aged between 30 and 80 years, are located at the western end of the mountain range, and are the highest in the D.O. Montsant (550m).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSindicat La Figuera awakens the senses with its fruity character and liveliness. On the nose, this light, youthful red evokes a stroll through a spring garden, with aromas of cherries and wild strawberries mingled with delicate floral notes. On the palate, its deliciousness is matched by a soft texture and a rustic hint of its terroir of origin, leaving a mineral aftertaste that encourages further tasting. Perfect for those seeking an authentic taste experience in a relaxed atmosphere. A wine of great finesse and incredible value, recognized by the most eminent critics.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vins du Monde","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47456557007187,"sku":"1623","price":16.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/Sindicat_ReneBarbier2018.png?v=1706602996"},{"product_id":"acustic-celler-blanc-2021","title":"Acústic Celler White 2021","description":"\u003ch4\u003eA blend of 60% Grenache Blanc, 25% Macabeu, 10% Grenache Gris and 5% Pansal, typical of the Montsant region in Catalonia.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach grape variety in the Acústic Blanc cuvée grows in vineyards between 300 and 700 meters above sea level. The soils are poor, composed of sand, pebbles and clay. The grapes are harvested by hand. In the cellar, the pressed juice undergoes pellicular maceration for around two days. It then goes through partial, low-temperature fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by further fermentation in French oak barrels for around 3 months. This wine has a subtle aromatic bouquet with notes of infusion, dried fruit, pear, peach, apricot, lemon tart, honey and white flowers. It has fine minerality, and the juice is sharp and saline. Powerful yet firm on the palate, it remains distinguished, extending on fine bitters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winery's philosophy is nicely phrased: \"To make pure, acoustic, natural wines, without artifice, that express the austerity of the vine and terroir without filters, as they are, with honesty, like acoustic music, austere but sincere and profound, that expresses all its sensations without electricity or technology\". Albert Jané, Acústic Celler's winemaker, works exclusively with indigenous grape varieties that best express the terroir. The wine must be a faithful image, a photograph of the history of the region from which it comes. To achieve this, it is necessary to respect the work of the elders, to favor high-altitude vineyards (up to 750 meters), to seek finesse and elegance, harmony and verticality in the wines, to work organically and to reduce yields to between 10 and 30 hl\/ha.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Valade \u0026 Transandine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47459083157843,"sku":"3200","price":17.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/Acustic_Blanc.png?v=1706688884"},{"product_id":"acustic-celler-rouge-2020","title":"Acústic Celler Red 2020","description":"\u003ch4\u003eNestled in a mountainous area of northeastern Spain, Montsant has long been in the shadow of its big brother, the neighboring Priorat wine region, known for its powerful red wines.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks to local winemakers like Albert Jané, the region is finally getting the recognition it deserves for its smooth, intensely aromatic red wines that offer excellent value for money. Acústic Red is a traditional blend of ancestral Carignan (70%) and Grenache (30%) grapes, carefully hand-picked from vines aged between 35 and 65 years. After vinification with indigenous yeasts, Albert ages the wine in French oak barrels for 10 months, with no filtration to preserve the wine's character. The result of his efforts is a deliciously sweet red wine, with seductive aromas of red berries, cherries, blackberries, blueberries and plums finishing with a touch of wood and chocolate. On the palate, velvety tannins, smooth texture and generous fruit flavors are well balanced by refreshing acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winery's philosophy is nicely phrased: \"To make pure, acoustic, natural wines, without artifice, that express the austerity of the vine and terroir without filters, as they are, with honesty, like acoustic music, austere but sincere and profound, that expresses all its sensations without electricity or technology\". Albert Jané, Acústic Celler's winemaker, works exclusively with indigenous grape varieties that best express the terroir. The wine must be a faithful image, a photograph of the history of the region from which it comes. To achieve this, it is necessary to respect the work of the elders, to favor high-altitude vineyards (up to 750 meters), to seek finesse and elegance, harmony and verticality in the wines, to work organically and to reduce yields to between 10 and 30 hl\/ha. The vineyards are located at altitudes between 250 and 750 meters, on poorly fertile soils composed of stones, sand and clay.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Valade \u0026 Transandine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47459083190611,"sku":"3002","price":19.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/Acustic_Rouge.png?v=1706690683"},{"product_id":"acustic-celler-brao-2019","title":"Acústic Celler Braó 2019","description":"\u003ch4\u003eBraó is an old word meaning \"value, courage, strength\", just like the vineyards that are still here after all these years.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcústic Braó is the result of a selection of 60 to 95-year-old vineyards, which produce a very low yield. Of organic origin, the grapes are selected by hand in the vineyard. The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts and then aged for 11 months in oak barrels. There is no filtration at bottling to preserve the natural expression of the fruit. This cuvée, composed mainly of Grenache (85%) and a little Carignan (15%), expresses seductive aromas of plum, cherry, blackberry and wild strawberry, complemented by notes of thyme, rosemary, cocoa and espresso. The palate is rich, deep and elegant, with a velvety texture and pleasant mineral and balsamic undertones. The length is superb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winery's philosophy is nicely phrased: \"To make pure, acoustic, natural wines, without artifice, that express the austerity of the vine and terroir without filters, as they are, with honesty, like acoustic music, austere but sincere and profound, that expresses all its sensations without electricity or technology\". Albert Jané, Acústic Celler's winemaker, works exclusively with indigenous grape varieties that best express the terroir. The wine must be a faithful image, a photograph of the history of the region from which it comes. To achieve this, it is necessary to respect the work of the elders, to favor high-altitude vineyards (up to 750 meters), to seek finesse and elegance, harmony and verticality in the wines, to work organically and to reduce yields to between 10 and 30 hl\/ha. The vineyards are located at altitudes between 250 and 750 meters, on poorly fertile soils composed of stones, sand and clay.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Valade \u0026 Transandine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50214681051475,"sku":"3101-19","price":33.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/Acustic_Celler_Brao_2019.png?v=1737445240"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/collections\/Catalonia4.jpg?v=1705343513","url":"https:\/\/www.altcellars.at\/en\/collections\/catalonia.oembed","provider":"ALTCELLARS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}