Penedes

Penedes is a large wine growing region south west of Barcelona stretching from the Mediterranean coast into the hills.  This broad geographical area means that there are a few climatic zones throughout the region, so wine styles vary.   The hot coastal plain is suited to full bodied red wine production from Garnacha and Monastrell grapes.  The inland valleys are more temperate and suited to white grapes, most of which go into making Cava.  Further up in the hills, the temperature is cooler and vineyards are planted to aromatic whites and even Pinot Noir.