Why it matters
The producer
Carmelite monks occupied Castillo Perelada and made wine there from the 14th century. Miguel Mateu bought the castle ensemble in 1923, with the revival of its wine-producing tradition as one of his primary objectives.
RCR Architects designed Celler Perelada’s new winery, which became the first winery in Europe to achieve LEED Gold sustainability certification. The estate is now run by the family’s third generation under Javier Suqué Mateu, with Delfí Sanahuja as winemaker. Sanahuja was named Catalan winemaker of the year in 2015. Celler Perelada produces table wines and Cava.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Perelada’s vineyard holdings are in northeastern Catalonia, at the meeting of the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. The ground varies among slate, sand, river sediment, clay loam and gravel. Soil differences affect drainage and water retention, so vines on separate parcels can face different growing conditions. Finca Garbet is a terraced vineyard on slate soil beside the Mediterranean. Its mountainous terrain requires terrace planting.
Wines to know
The range in view
Perelada produces Empordà table wines and Cava. The table wine range includes 5 Finques, an Empordà red made from seven grape varieties and led by Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; named estate wines such as Finca La Garriga and Finca Malaveïna; varietal Només wines; and Aires de Garbet, a single estate wine from Garbet made entirely from Grenache.
5 Finques combines Grenache at 26 percent, Cabernet Sauvignon at 24 percent, Merlot at 21 percent, Syrah at 16 percent, Samsó at 9 percent, Monastrell at 3 percent and Cabernet Franc at 1 percent. It ages for 18 months in Bordeaux barrels, split equally between fine American oak and Allier French oak, before bottling. Red fruit, spice, balsamic notes and toast lead into a fresh, balanced palate with integrated tannins and a long finish.