Catalonia

Home to the Sagrada Familia and the Camp Nou, Barcelona’s wine lists are now proud to list the local still and sparkling wines of the region. The buzzy capital of the province of Catalonia has bars dedicated to its local sparkling wine, Cava, produced in the nearby town of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia. (Although Cava can be produced in regions across Spain, the majority hails from Penedès in Catalonia.)

Vinified in the same way as Champagne, traditional Cava is a a blend of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo grapes but to further its international appeal and increase quality, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (two of Champagne’s traditional grapes) have now been incorporated into the mix.

A number of excellent producers have left the DO to separate themselves from the cheap, mass-produced Cavas that are glugged by undemanding locals and tourists – including the Corpinnat group. Improved vineyard management including organic or biodynamic viticulture, extended time on lees and varietal Xarel-lo are part of a drive towards building a reputation for higher quality, worthy of Champagne collectors’ cellars. The wines of producers such as Gramona or Raventós i Blanc, including the latter’s rare Mas de Serral, are well worth seeking out.

World-class reds, meanwhile, come from Priorat – home to rich, structured styles made with old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena, often supplemented by Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.