PERELADA, Spain

The foundation of the estate is DO Empordà, which through their hard work and skill Perelada helped to create in the 1960s. The vineyards are rooted on diverse soils from slate to sand, fluvial sediment to gravel, that all run down between the mighty Pyrenees and the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean. This setting has spurred on a quest for quality that has gone beyond winemaking to embrace all things cultural, celebrating the region’s art and history in all aspects of life – easy to believe in a region that was home to the godfather of surrealism, Salvador Dali. In due course the family purchased an additional bodega, DO Cava, in Penedes’ capital, Vilafranca del Penedès, allowing them to increase production and become a serious player among Spain’s most prominent Cava producers. This range sits at a price v. quality ratio that is hard to argue with, offering incredible value for money. Every summer Castillo Perelada also hosts one of the most prestigious music festivals in Europe, and ‘Stars Cava’ is a tribute to the artists who have performed there under the stars of the Empordà sky. Perelada are committed to sustainable agriculture, both in their family-owned vineyards in Empordà and in their vineyards in Vilafranca, Penedès.

Viticulture

Empordà is the oldest wine region in the Iberian Peninsula. Encompassed by natural boundaries; with the Pyrenees to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The beauty of Costa Brava makes Empordà a truly unique place, linking the coast to the mountains, influenced by the famous northerly Tramontane wind. Perelada owns five vineyards in the northern area of Empordà, where the Tramontane wind demonstrates its incredible strength. They benefit from a heterogeneity of soils here, and by understanding these different types of soil they identify terroir ideal for each variety. Perelada are committed to sustainable agriculture, both in their family-owned vineyards in Empordà and their vineyards in Vilafranca, Penedès. Perelada have been working with 3 vinegrowers in the highlands of Penedés for over 30 years. Their vineyards are certified organic and all of their Cavas are vegan.

Winemaking

Perelada’s main ambition is for their wines and cavas to highlight the personality of the land and its enormous winemaking potential. Winemaker, Delfí Sanahuja, who was named Catalan winemaker of the year in 2015, strongly believes that the work they do in the vineyard is key to producing quality wines. Their new winery in Penedès capital of Vilafranca is certified as a "Sustainable Wineries for Climate Protection". The certification acknowledges Perelada’s continuous improvement in relation to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, water management, waste reduction and energy efficiency and renewable energies. This winery is the largest sustainable winery in Europe, as well as being the first LEED® certified winery in Europe, a globally recognised symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.