The Field Guide
Eastern Spain
The side of Spain that faces the sea, and the four appellations on it that Rioja and Cava talk over. Three of these grapes are best known as ingredients in something else. All four are better on their own.
The Mediterranean side · four appellations
Eastern Spain
The history
The Penedès spent a century growing white grapes for sparkling wine, which is why Xarel·lo took so long to be bottled on its own and why Sumoll was nearly pulled out altogether.
The land
Coastal ranges holding back the Mediterranean, then dry limestone terraces climbing inland — hot days, cool nights, and very little rain once you leave the shore.
Wine styles
Textured, ageworthy still whites from Xarel·lo; pale high-acid Trepat reds; firm Moristel from the Pyrenean foothills; and Bobal's dark, fresh reds from old bush vines.
The underdogs to drink
Start with the grapes worth the detour. More guides land as we publish them.
Whatever you drink now, there’s an underdog you’d like more.
One overlooked wine at a time: what it tastes like, the famous one it can replace, and the catch. It’s the list our wine club will be built from.
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