Barcelona

🍷

Wine and Cava

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Wine and Cava in Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, located in the heart of Catalonia, is a paradise for wine and cava enthusiasts. The region boasts a rich winemaking tradition, with a variety of wines and sparkling wines (cava) that reflect its Mediterranean climate, diverse terroirs, and centuries-old expertise. Below is a detailed guide to help you explore and enjoy Barcelona’s wine and cava culture.

1. Types of Wine and Cava Available in Barcelona

Wines

Catalonia is home to 12 Denominación de Origen (DO) wine regions, each offering unique varieties. Here are the most notable types of wine you’ll encounter in Barcelona:

  • Red Wines (Vinos Tintos):

    • Garnacha (Grenache): A versatile, fruity red wine with hints of spice.
    • Cariñena (Carignan): Known for its deep color and earthy, robust flavor.
    • Tempranillo: A classic Spanish grape, often blended with others for a balanced, medium-bodied wine.
    • Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot: Frequently used in blends, especially in the DO Penedès region.

  • White Wines (Vinos Blancos):

    • Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada: Indigenous grapes used in both still white wines and cava, offering crisp, citrusy flavors.
    • Chardonnay: Often blended with local varieties for a fuller-bodied white wine.
    • Albariño: A fresh, aromatic white wine, though more common in northern Spain, it’s available in Barcelona.

  • Rosé Wines (Vinos Rosados):

    • Made from Garnacha or Tempranillo, these wines are light, fruity, and perfect for Barcelona’s warm climate.

  • Sweet Wines:

    • Moscatel: A sweet, aromatic wine often enjoyed as a dessert wine.
    • Rancio: A traditional Catalan fortified wine with nutty, oxidized flavors.

Cava

Cava is Catalonia’s answer to Champagne, made using the traditional method (second fermentation in the bottle). It is primarily produced in the DO Cava region, centered around Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, just outside Barcelona.

  • Types of Cava (by sweetness):

    • Brut Nature: The driest cava, with no added sugar.
    • Extra Brut: Slightly sweeter than Brut Nature.
    • Brut: The most common type, with a balanced dryness.
    • Seco, Semi-Seco, and Dulce: Progressively sweeter varieties.

  • Popular Cava Varieties:

    • Made from a blend of Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada grapes, though Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are also used in premium cavas.

2. Cultural Significance of Wine and Cava in Barcelona

Wine and cava are deeply embedded in Catalan culture and are integral to social gatherings, celebrations, and meals. Cava, in particular, is a symbol of festivity and is often served during weddings, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Locals take pride in their winemaking heritage, and you’ll find that wine and cava are enjoyed casually with meals as well as during special occasions.

3. Recommended Places to Try Wine and Cava in Barcelona

Wine Bars and Restaurants

  1. Monvínic

    • Known as one of the best wine bars in the world, Monvínic offers an extensive selection of Catalan and international wines. The staff is highly knowledgeable and can guide you through tastings.
    • Location: Carrer de la Diputació, 249
    • Average Cost: €8–€15 per glass.

  2. Bar Brutal

    • A trendy spot specializing in natural wines, including many from Catalonia. The atmosphere is lively, and the food pairs perfectly with the wine.
    • Location: Carrer de la Princesa, 14
    • Average Cost: €6–€12 per glass.

  3. La Vinya del Senyor

    • A charming wine bar located near the Santa Maria del Mar Basilica, offering a curated selection of Catalan wines and cavas.
    • Location: Plaça de Santa Maria, 5
    • Average Cost: €5–€10 per glass.

  4. Can Cisa / Bar Brutal

    • A hybrid wine shop and bar offering organic and biodynamic wines.
    • Location: Carrer de la Princesa, 14
    • Average Cost: €6–€12 per glass.

Cava-Specific Experiences

  1. El Xampanyet

    • A historic cava bar offering affordable cava by the glass alongside traditional tapas.
    • Location: Carrer de Montcada, 22
    • Average Cost: €3–€6 per glass.

  2. Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria)

    • A bustling, no-frills cava bar where you can enjoy inexpensive cava and bocadillos (sandwiches).
    • Location: Carrer de la Reina Cristina, 7
    • Average Cost: €1.50–€3 per glass.

4. Wine and Cava Tours and Tastings

Day Trips to Wineries

  1. Codorníu Winery

    • One of the oldest cava producers in Spain, offering guided tours of their cellars and tastings.
    • Location: Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (40 minutes from Barcelona)
    • Cost: €20–€30 per person.

  2. Freixenet Winery

    • Another iconic cava producer, known for its sparkling wines. Tours include a train ride through the cellars and tastings.
    • Location: Sant Sadurní d’Anoia
    • Cost: €15–€25 per person.

  3. Alta Alella

    • A boutique winery near Barcelona offering organic wines and cava with stunning views of the Mediterranean.
    • Location: Alella (20 minutes from Barcelona)
    • Cost: €25–€40 per person.

Wine and Cava Tasting Tours in Barcelona

  • Barcelona Wine Bar Tours: Guided tours that take you to multiple wine bars in the city, offering tastings of local wines and cavas.
    • Cost: €50–€100 per person.
  • Cava and Chocolate Pairing: A unique experience pairing cava with artisanal chocolates.
    • Cost: €30–€50 per person.

5. Average Costs of Wine and Cava in Barcelona

  • Wine (by the glass): €3–€12, depending on the quality and venue.
  • Cava (by the glass): €2–€8, with Brut being the most affordable.
  • Bottles in stores:
    • Local wines: €5–€20.
    • Cava: €4–€15 for standard bottles, €20+ for premium varieties.

6. Tips for Ordering or Purchasing Wine and Cava

  • At Restaurants:

    • Ask for the “vino de la casa” (house wine) for an affordable and often excellent local option.
    • Specify “copa” (glass) or “botella” (bottle) when ordering.

  • At Bars:

    • Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations; locals are proud of their wines and happy to share their favorites.

  • At Stores:

    • Look for wines labeled with DO Penedès or DO Cava for authentic local products.
    • Supermarkets like Mercadona and specialty shops like Vila Viniteca offer a wide range of options.

7. Customs and Etiquette

  • Toasting: Say “Salut!” (Catalan) or “Salud!” (Spanish) when raising your glass.
  • Pouring Wine: Avoid filling the glass more than halfway; this allows the wine to breathe.
  • Pace Yourself: Drinking is a social activity, so savor your wine or cava slowly.

8. Notable Events and Festivals

  1. Cavatast (October):

    • An annual cava festival in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, featuring tastings, food pairings, and live music.
    • Location: Sant Sadurní d’Anoia (40 minutes from Barcelona).

  2. Barcelona Wine Week (February):

    • A trade fair showcasing wines from across Spain, with tastings and workshops.
    • Location: Fira Barcelona.

  3. La Mercè Festival (September):

    • Barcelona’s biggest festival often includes wine and cava tastings as part of the celebrations.

Barcelona offers a vibrant and accessible wine and cava culture that caters to all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re sipping cava at a bustling bar or exploring the vineyards of Penedès, you’re sure to enjoy an unforgettable experience. Cheers—Salut!