The Marne developed a rhetoric of French identity that promoted its own marketing success as national. This ability to mask local interests as national concerns convinced government officials of the need, at both national and international levels, to protect champagne as a French patrimony.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that all sparkling wine can be classified as Champagne. While all Champagne is indeed sparkling wine, not all sparkling wine can be labeled Champagne according to French appellation laws. A sparkling wine’s terroir – that is, the geographic region where the grapes are produced – and production method are key factors in this distinction between French Champagne and all other sparkling wines.
A Spanish sparkling wine produced in the Catalonia region and incorporates not only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but also Xarel-lo, Macabeo, Parellada, and Subirat (Malvasia) grape varieties. The DO is made up of three distinct zones and micro climates located between the sea and the mountains, half-way between Barcelona and Tarragona: The Penedes Superior (near the inland mountain range), The Penedes Marítim (between the sea and the coastal hills) and the plain between these areas, known as the Penedes Central. Xarel·lo is the most widely planted variety in the DO Penedes. They are smooth, medium bodied wines with a silky character; fruity and aromatic, they have good acidity and an excellent alcohol level. The area is also known for it's Modernist traditions, adapting them to style innovations and to the taste and budget of local customers. Modernism was used for decorative purposes mainly and it was rather conservative with regard to Catalan architectural traditions.
Sample itinerary: Arrive Barcelona Airport and our driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel in the center of town in one of my favorite areas. Head to Sant Sadurni D'Noia is in the Penedes wine region called D.O. Cava and is the center of Cava production, The Codorníu family’s wine business goes back to the middle of the 16th century. In 1659 Anna Codorníu married Manual Raventós and the families, each with a long wine tradition, were united. In 1872, Josep Raventós produced cava for the first time in Spain using the “Traditional Method” and established a completely new industry in the Penedes region. During the day you will visit Codorníu followed by lunch at a wine grower followed by visits to 2 or 3 small producers to compare the various styles of Cava.
A sparkling wine with an unmistakable aroma and freshness which was produced back in Roman times. The vine origins are uncertain, but probably comes from Venezia Giulia or further east. In Treviso our driver will pick you at the airport to take you to the hotel in the center of town or in Asolo. From the small producer to the large winery, this tour will give you the opportunity to better understand the local wine production and to enjoy a wonderful day on the hills combining wine and history. Unlike champagne, the producers in the Veneto grow many kinds of grapes like Verduzzo, Manzoni Bianco, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet.
Sample itinerary :
* Tastings in the ancient San Salvatore Castle * Discover the Palladian masterpiece, Villa Maser situated in the Montello e Colli Asolani D.O.C. * Lunch in a typical local restaurant like Locanda Sandi. * Tastings in Susegana at the modern facility in Case Bianche.
