Summary:

About the Speakers:

Rick Fisher

Rick is the Wine Scholar Guild’s Spanish Programs Director and the author of the Spanish Wine Scholar® and Spanish Wine Essentials programs. He is a certified educator for Rioja, Sherry and Cava as well as a Spanish wine judge at Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). He holds the WSET Diploma.

Ferran Centelles

Ferran is the Drinks Manager at the El Bulli Foundation as well as a collaborator for jancisrobinson.com. He is a wine educator, author and Co-Chair for Spain at DWWA. Ferran is also an accomplished sommelier having been awarded Best Sommelier in Spain (2006), Best Sommelier by the Catalan Gastronomic Academy (2013) and WSET Best Alumni (2019). He is an Advanced Sommelier and holds the WSET Diploma as well as being a member of the Gran Orden de Caballeros de España.

Timestamps

Introduction to the Webinar (00:00)
Justin welcomes participants and introduces speakers Rick Fisher and Ferran Santelli, highlighting their expertise in Spanish wine.

Overview of Catalonia (00:01)
Rick provides a brief overview of Catalonia’s geography, history, and importance in Spanish wine culture.

Indigenous Tribes of Catalonia (00:03)
Discussion on the indigenous Iberian tribes and their significance in the region's history and wine production.

Roman Influence on Wine (00:04)
Rick explains the Roman impact on wine-making in Catalonia, including its role in trade and agriculture.

Climate and Geography of Catalonia (00:06)
Overview of the Mediterranean climate and diverse soils affecting wine production in the region.

Tarragona Appellation (00:07)
Rick introduces Tarragona as the oldest appellation in Catalonia, known for its white wines and historical significance.

Challenges and Renaissance in Tarragona (00:09)
Ferran discusses the unique wine styles of Tarragona and the recent revival of the local grape varieties.

Priorat Appellation (00:12)
Rick transitions to Priorat, detailing its history, classification as a DOCa, and the significance of its unique terroir.

Villages and Terroir in Priorat (00:16)
Ferran explains the classification of Priorat by villages and the importance of terroir in wine quality.

Varietal Trends in Priorat (00:19)
Discussion on the increasing trend of producing varietal Garnacha and Carignan wines in Priorat.

Soil Diversity in Priorat (00:20)
Ferran elaborates on the complex soils of Priorat and their influence on vine health and wine characteristics.

Drought and Wildfire Concerns (00:21)
Rick raises concerns about the ongoing drought in Catalonia and its impact on wine production and wildfires.

Water Recovery in Catalonia (00:22)
Discussion on water conditions affecting wine production in Catalonia and recovery from recent droughts.

Introduction to Aliyah (00:23)
Overview of Aliyah, a small, historic appellation in Catalonia known for its unique grape varieties.

Characteristics of Panza Blanca (00:24)
Details on the Panza Blanca grape, its profile, and the significance of the Aliyah region's wines.

Historical Importance of Aliyah Wines (00:25)
Aliyah's past prominence in Barcelona and the evolution of its wine production.

Shift in Vineyard Locations (00:26)
Discussion on the movement of vineyards from valleys to higher elevations in the region.

Introduction to Penedès Region (00:26)
Transition to the Penedès region, highlighting its historical significance and innovative wine production.

Innovations in Penedès Winemaking (00:27)
Focus on the use of stainless steel tanks and the region's commitment to organic viticulture.

Natural Wine Production in Penedès (00:28)
Description of Penedès as a center for natural wine production and upcoming wine fairs.

Commitment to Organic Practices (00:29)
Discussion on the goal for the Penedès region to achieve full organic certification by 2025.

Versatility of the Cedillo Grape (00:32)
Exploration of the Cedillo grape's versatility and potential in natural wine production.

Introduction to Empordà Region (00:33)
Overview of Empordà's geography and historical significance in Catalonia's wine scene.

Grapes of Empordà (00:34)
Highlighting the primary grape varieties and their adaptability to climate change in Empordà.

Old Vine Recovery in Empordà (00:35)
Discussion on the recovery of old grape varieties and their resilience against climate challenges.

Impact of Tramontana Winds (00:36)
Explanation of how the Tramontana winds affect viticulture in the Empordà region.

Garnacha Peluda in Terra Alta (00:38)
Introduction to the unique Garnacha Peluda grape and its significance in the Terra Alta region.

Terra Alta's Commitment to Garnacha (00:40)
Highlighting Terra Alta's dedication to Garnacha Blanca and its quality production.

Exploration of Cooperative Wine Movement (00:42)
Discussion on the history and significance of cooperatives in Spanish winemaking.

Introduction to Tapas Grape (00:44)
Overview of the Tapas grape, its characteristics, and its role in cava production.

Tripod Grape Discussion (00:44)
Ferran Santelli introduces the promising Tripod grape variety, comparing it to Pinot Noir.

Overview of Cava (00:45)
Rick Fisher provides an overview of Cava, its production methods, and its regional significance.

Cava's Appellation Challenges (00:46)
Discussion on the challenges faced by Cava producers regarding appellation regulations and quality distinctions.

Cava's Aging Categories (00:48)
Exploration of the aging categories in Cava and their impact on wine quality.

Closer to the Segre Region (00:49)
Introduction to the lesser-known Closer to the Segre appellation and its unique vineyard characteristics.

Garnacha and Chardonnay in Closer to the Segre (00:52)
Discussion on the grape varieties used in Closer to the Segre, highlighting Garnacha and Chardonnay.

Piccolo Blanco and Regional Diversity (00:54)
Ferran explains the unique Piccolo Blanco grape and its cultivation in the Montserrat region.

D.O. Catalunya Overview (00:56)
Rick Fisher outlines the D.O. Catalunya as an umbrella appellation for various vineyards.

Monsant Region Characteristics (00:58)
Discussion on the Monsant region's soil diversity and its impact on wine styles.

Questions on Grape Varieties (01:00)
Discussion on the similarities and differences between Piccolo Blanco and French grape varieties.

Favorite Producers Discussion (01:01)
Speakers share their favorite wine producers and unique projects in the region.