The land, soil and climate of the D.O. Empordà

The land of D.O. Empordà
The production area of the Empordà DO, located in the far north east of Catalonia, encapsulates 48 municipalities spread across two districts. Empordà has two geographically distinct areas: Alt Empordà with 35 municipalities and Baix Empordà with 13.
The production area of Alt Empordà is in the far north east of Catalonia (stretching northwards from the city of Figueres to the French border). It is protected by the slopes of the Sierra de Rodes and the Las Alberas Mountain Ranges, starting in Cap de Creus and spreading in an arch-like form to Garrotxa d’Empordà (Albanyà). Alt Empordà borders the Pyrenees in the north, the Mediterranean in the east and flat plains to the south.
Alt Empordà municipalities are: Agullana, Avinyonet de Puigventós, Biure, Boadella i les Escaules, Cabanes, Cadaqués, Cantallops, Capmany, Cistella, Colera, Darnius, Espolla, Figueres, Garriguella, La Jonquera, Llançà, Llers, Masarac, Mollet de Peralada, Palau-saverdera, Pau, Pedret i Marzà, Peralada, Pont de Molins, Portbou, Port de la Selva, Rabós, Roses, Sant Climent Sescebes, Selva de Mar, Terrades, Vilafant, Vilajuïga, Vilamaniscle and Vilanant.

The Baix Empordà production area borders the Montgrí Massif in the north, the Gavarres Massif in the southwest — that forms a coastal plane with the Begur Massif — and with the Mediterranean to the east.
The municipalities in Baix Empordà are: Begur, Calonge, Castell-Platja d'Aro, Forallac, Mont-ras, Palafrugell, Palamós, Palau-sator, Pals, Regencós, Torrent, Torroella de Montgrí and Vall-llobrega

The Soils: Heterogeneity
The Empordà DO has very heterogeneous land, the majority of which has a sandy texture and low organic material content. This is ideal for high quality winemaking. The soils are largely acidic, and the area varies in height from sea level to an altitude of 260 m.
It is important to bear in mind that in the Empordà plain the alluvial soils are predominant, whereas in the mountainous and mountainside areas the soils are slatey and granitic, with landscapes of outstanding natural beauty

The Climate: the Tramontana
The Tramontana, the strong northerly wind, with gusts that frequently exceed 120 km/h, is the most characteristic aspect of the climate affecting cultivation in the area and is highly beneficial for vine health.
On the other hand, the winters are mild with few frosts and the summers are hot and tempered by sea breezes. The average annual temperature is between 14 and 16º C. Rainfall is around 600 litres per year. With regards temperature and sunshine, the Empordà area is located in region III of the Amerine and Winkler scale, making it well-suited for medium and long growing season varieties and perfect for producing naturally sweet wines.
Overall, the climate is ideal for growing vines to produce quality wines that do not have the harshness of southern wines.
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The Vineyards: Varieties and Viniculture
The majority of the Designation of Origin vines are old — more than thirty years old. This is good for the quality of the final product as it is well-known that older vines produce higher quality wines. In addition to this, in recent years important renewals and improvements have been implemented to adapt to modern winemaking techniques and to introduce some changes in grape varieties.
With regards the red varieties, Carignan or Samsó is prevalent, forming the basis of Empordà viniculture, together with Garnacha Tinta (known in Empordà as Lledoner). These traditional varieties are complemented by new ones that are being introduced: Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
The most popular white varieties are Garnacha Blanca, Garnacha Tinta and Macabeo. Muscat, the traditional Xarel-lo and recently planted Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer grapes are also grown, but to a much lesser extent.

Recommended

• Garnatxa blanca o lledoner blanc(white)
• Macabeu or viura(white)
• Moscatell of Alexandria(white)

Recommended

• Samsó (red)
• Garnatxa tinta (red)

Authorised

• Chardonnay(white)
• Gewürztraminer(white)
• Malvoisie(white)
• Muscat à Petits Grains(white)
• Picpoul Blanc(white)
• Sauvignon blanc(white)
• Xarel·lo(white)

Authorised

• Cabernet sauvignon (red)
• Cabernet franc (red)
• Merlot(red)
• Monastrell(red)
• Tempranillo(red)
• Syrah(red)
• Garnacha Peluda(red)