portfolio ➜ origin ➜ Spain ➜ Catalunya
Empordà DO
Categories: Garnatxa d’Empordà
Empordà is the far northeast portion of Spanish Catalunya, and like its Catalan cousins across the French border in Roussillon, it is home to one of the world’s oldest winemaking traditions—the dry and sweet oxidative wines collectively known as ‘Vi Ranci.’ Vines have been planted here for more than 2500 years, many still gobelet-trained to endure the fierce Tramontana winds from the north. Over the last 30 years, a new generation of growers and winemakers has brought a renewed ambition and focus, emphasizing organic practices and indigenous varieties—especially varieties of Grenache and Carignan—while balancing the demands of innovation and tradition. One result has been a reintroduction to the world of the classic fortified wine of the region, Garnatxa d’Empordà.
Espodol Solera Garnatxa d’Empordà NV
Spain ➜ Catalunya ➜ Empordà DO 15.5% ABV
15.5% ABV • Fortified, Oxidative
Celler Espolla’s Solera Garnatxa d’Empordà is regarded as one of the finest and most prominent of its tradition in Catalunya. Late harvest Garnatxa blanca and rosat grapes are picked by hand and co-fermented with native yeasts in epoxy-lined concrete tank. The fermentation is arrested via mutage, and the wine begins a lengthy, oxidative odyssey through a four-tier solera that was inaugurated in 1950; small quantities are bottled a maximum of once per year. Dark amber, seamless and layered, it shows dried apricot and cherry, roasted hazelnut and sweet/smoky baking spices. Served at cellar temperature, it can be enjoyed with a wide variety of cheeses and desserts. Once opened, it will keep well for 8-12 weeks. Full details
