Catalonia Wine Trip 🇪🇸
July, 2023
Long anticipated reunion
After having finished the last block session of the Wine Academy Austria in Florence in April 2022 where we shared an apartment, we then promised to stay in contact in the future. Also we introduced a “wine fund” to whom we all contribute for our future get togethers and then drink wine most of us never get a hand on.
So for our first venue we chose Barcelona and its surroundings. Carlos was able to arrange for some amazing winery visits usually not open to the public. The last day we had lunch at Vila Mas at the Costa Brava which boasts an elaborate wine list at very incredible prices.
Mas Martinet with Sara Pérez and René Barbier
Sara first took us on a pickup truck to one of her highest vineyard location followed by a winery visit and tasting of the recent Mas Martinet vintages. Afterwards we had lunch together with René where we drank some of our wines from our wine fund and other wines which Sara and René make outside of the Priorat region which I really liked. Our deep thank you goes to both of them for their hospitality.
D’Anguera
Josep also took us on a tour through some of his vineyards in Monsanto at almost sea level very close to the Ebro. It is fascinating to see the very different approach he is taking in growing grapes in a very dry region. In the past it was common knowledge that irrigation is necessary but the d’Angueras found another way, stopped it and are now fully banking on dry farming, i.e. not water added. It is impressive to see how the deep green vines are full of vigor and hung with grapes. The totally different approach continues in the cellar and results in wines I have never tried before. I will never forget Joseps words which are completely opposite of current wine wisdom. “Given the distinctive character and flavor of our wines we are not looking for acidity”. Their wines are a must try for anyone looking away from mainstream.
Gramona
In the afternoon we were invited by Roc Gramona for lunch and then a visit through the old and new winery where they produce some of the finest Corpinnat sparkling wines and later on a tour over the sprawling vineyards around Sant Sadurni in Penedès.
We also got to have a look at their unfinished winery and house project and tasting their new still wines from the region.
