DO/DOP Regulations

Region

  • Catalonia (Catalunya)

Hectares Under Vine (2010)

  • 1,826

Styles Produced

  • Blanco / Blanc
  • Rosado / Rosat
  • Tinto / Negre
  • Vino de Licor / Vi de licor (fortified)
  • Vino Rancio /Vi Ranci (fortified)
  • Vino Dulce Natural / Vi Dolç Natural (fortified)
  • Mistela
  • Vino de Aguja / Vi d’Agulla (semi-sparkling)
  • Vino Espumoso / Vi Escumoso: made by traditional method with a min. 3.5 bars of pressure
  • (wines may be labeled by authorized varieties if the variety is present as a min. 85% of the blend)

Authorized Grapes

  • Blanco:
    • Recommended: Macabeu, Chardonnay, Garnatxa Blanca, Chenin Blanc, Moscatel de Gra Petit, Parellada, Sauvignon Blanc
    • Authorized: Moscatel d’Alexandria
  • Tinto:
    • Recommended: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnatxa Negre, Monastrell, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Trepat, Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo), Samsó/Carinyena (Carignan)

Minimum/Maximum Alcohol

  • Blanco/Rosado: 10.5-15% 
  • Tinto: 11.5-15%
  • Vino Espumoso/Vino de Aguja: 10.5-12.5%
  • Vino de Licor/Vino Rancio/Mistela/Vino Dulce Natural: 15-22% 

Aging Requirements

  • Crianza: 
    • Blanco/Rosado: min. 18 months, including at least 6 months in oak
    • Tinto: min. 24 months, including at least 6 months in oak 
  • Reserva: 
    • Blanco/Rosado: min. 24 months, including at least 6 months in oak
    • Tinto: min. 3 years, including at least 1 year in oak
  • Gran Reserva: 
    • Blanco/Rosado: min. 4 years, including at least 6 months in oak
    • Tinto: min. 24 months in oak and 36 months in bottle
  • Roble and Barrica: These designations carry no minimum requirement, but the length of oak aging (max. 330 liters capacity) must be stated on the label.
  • Reserva Superior (Espumoso only): min. 24 months on its lees

Minimum/Maximum Planting Density

  • 2,000/4,500 vines per hectare

Maximum Yields

  • 12 tons/ha, 70 liters/100 kg

DO Established

  • 1985

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