See, for me, this is the beauty of Twitter! I used to be a hater before I’d ever used it, but now I just love it. Take yesterday for example. I was posting what I was going to do for the letter C, and up popped @CatalunyaWine as a mutual follow. Well we got talking, and this morning I got a lovely email from Tim, one of the co-founders, about what they’re trying to do with their project…
They’re a Canadian and American expat duo, who moved over to Catalunya full time with an aim of promoting the wines that they love. Can’t say fairer than that can you? They spend their days promoting the best and the rarest that this much forgotten area produces, as well as working in unison with the local restaurants and tour companies to get people loving Catalunya as much as they do! What a great job!!!
In the email, Tim was quick to highlight that one of the great things about Catalunya is the grapes on offer. There are the usual “Spanish” reds and whites of Garnatxa, Xarel-Lo, Macabeu, and Malvasia to name a few. There’s also the famous international varieties, tipping a cap to the very close regions of the South of France, where Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are kings. All find perfect and individual growing areas across Catalunya and go to make blends that are helping the area gain international recognition.
For me though, the exciting thing to read (as a wine geek) is the project of local variety recovery. Tim stocks wines from Terra Alta that are made from 100% Finca Morenillo (think ruby red with raspberry and strawberry flavours), and from Penedes made from 100% Belat (a Catalan Pinot Noir equivalent). These are grapes once forgotten about that are going to be this region’s point of difference going forward. They’ve already gained notice from the Penin Guide and the great Robert Parker (the most famous wine critic in the world) himself!
They’ve also been very kind and offered a discount for anyone who reads my blog! I know, you’re both very lucky 🙂
Check out www.catalunyawine.com and use the discount code “PBMMW” to get 10% off your orders.
Thanks so much to Tim for reaching out, and I hope we all use this week as an opportunity to learn more and drink more from this under appreciated region!
Cheers
Mike
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