Empordà
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Cabernet FrancSauvignonCariñena Blanca (Carignan Blanc)Carignan BlancCariñena Gris (Carignan Noir)ChardonnayGarnacha BlancaGarnacha Peluda (Garnacha Tinta)Lledoner Pelut (Garnacha Peluda)Garnacha RojaGewürztraminer (Gewuerztraminer)Macabeo (Viura)Malvasia Aromática (Malvasia Dubrovacka)Mazuela (Carignan Noir)MerlotMonastrellMoscatel De Alejandría (Muscat Of Alexandria)Moscatel De Grano Menudo (Muscat A Petits Grains Blancs)Picapoll Blanco (Clairette Blanche)Sauvignon BlancSyrahTempranilloXarello
Accessory grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- Poor, light soils, acidic to neutral, over Neogene (late Tertiary) conglomerates and sandstones.
- The soils correspond to the fill of the Empordà graben, with gentle relief and localized weathering horizons.
- The zone is divided into two subzones: 35 municipalities in the Alt Empordà (north) and 13 in the Baix Empordà (east). (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
- The soils display intercalations of fine-grained layers within coarse-grained conglomerates and sandstones.
Human factors
- The Garnachas of Empordà, made from old-vine, over-ripened fruit and aged in soleras, are documented in medieval writings.
- Producers blend parcels from different soil types to balance their wines, which are well suited to Mediterranean cuisine.
Product characteristics
- Young whites, rosés, and reds are described as fruity and fresh, with a good acidity-to-balance ratio.
- Garnachas de Empordà, fortified wines from old vines, have been aged by the solera method since medieval times.
Terroir / wine link
- Poor, free-draining, acidic to neutral soils (Neogene conglomerates and sandstones) yield lighter still and sparkling wines.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the the specification.
Sources
- National pliego de condiciones (PDF) — +2 varieties added
- eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-ES-A1548
- Official trade body site — DO Empordà