Three wineries in top 100 list of World's Best Vineyards
The World’s Best Vineyards is an annual listing that highlights the very best winery destinations in the world. The list is created after the nominations of over 500 wine, travel and wine tourism experts from across the globe are counted and collated. The list, founded in 2019, provides an insight into the best all-round winery experiences. There are no pre-determined criteria, apart from being open to the general public, but there are voting rules that must be adhered to.
Number 1 is Margués de Riscal but you will find 3 Catalan wineries in the top 100! The first one is Gramona in Penedès on number 45 but also Bodegas Perelada in Empordà and Parés Baltà in Penedès.
Gramona, a special place in Alt Penedès
Wine growing has been the pride of the Gramona family since 1850 and they have been making sparkling wines since the start of the 20th century. The fifth and sixth generation acknowledge that the humility that comes with being caretakers of this land is their greatest asset. True to their beliefs and admiration for nature, all the vineyards are managed according to organic and biodynamic principles; ploughing is done with horses, pruning is done by hand and with respect and biodynamic preparations are applied to facilitate the health of the vines, compost is produced from their farm of cows, sheep, chickens and horses.
Gramona produces top cavas and Jaume and Xavier Gramona took it upon themselves to age their top Cava for over 10 years, longer than anyone in their family since 1951. Through Gramona Enoteca they reaffirmed their suspicions: when you increase the time a sparkling spends resting in bottle, it becomes more expressive, while retaining commendable freshness, creating a deeper and more complex drinking experience.
With on the background the majestic, rocky Montserrat mountain a visit to the vineyards is special and it is even possible to do this on horseback. Next to a visit to the cellars a visit to the farm is also possible where among the many animals you will also find the Penedès gallo.
This one was really keen to be a model for me during my visit to the farm. It was a special visit and the tasting varies from tasting still wines to, of course, cava and sweet wines like ice wine.
The cellars of Gramona are located in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia about 30 kms south of Barcelona.
Want to visit this special winery and perhaps in combination with the other two? Contact us for a proposal also for a day tour or multiple days.
Gramona is member of Corpinnat, a collective European Union brand established with the aim of distinguishing great sparkling wines made in the heart of the Penedès from 100% organic grapes harvested by hand and entirely vinified on the premises of the winery.