|
Designation of Origin
It was born in 1933, together with the Wine Statute, but until 1945 its Regulatory Board will not be constituted and only two years later the first Regulations are approved. Amended in 1959, 1975, 1986 and 1996, it has progressively adjusted the grape characteristics, always keeping the identity of this ancient D.O., which does not forget its origins.
The following grape varieties are grown under this D.O. protection: Macabeo, Xarel·lo, white Garnacha, Parellada, Chardonnay, Moscatell from Alejandria, from Málaga and Romà for white wines; Samsó, Garnacha, Ull de Llebre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for red and rosé wines.
Wines
Mainly white wines are produced in El Camp, from Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel·lo varieties. They are well balanced wines, gentle, aromatic and fruity, with an alcohol content ranging from 9 to 13%. Regarding red and rosé wines from Ull de Llebre and Cariñena varieties, red wines are aromatic and strong while rosé wines are fresh and with a cherry colour. Red and rosé wines have an alcohol content ranging from 10 to13%.
Together with these wines we can also find the “Tarragona Clásico” —mostly used with desserts and appetizers, among which, viscous wines have an alcohol content ranging from 13,5 to 23% and generous wines have an alcohol content of 14-23%. Dry types are warm, and sweet wines are harmonious. They have a sound aroma and flavour. Some of them undergo traditional rancidity processes to obtain excellent rancio wines.
 Geographical Situation
Tarragona Designation of Origin is located in the central area of this province and it consists of more than 10,000 ha. Mediterranean climate provides average temperatures of 15ºC, and an irregular rainfall close to 500 mm a year.
The predominant varieties are white varieties Parellada, Macabeo, Xarel·lo and white Garnacha. Red varieties Mazuela, Ull de Llebre and Garnacha come in the second place.
 Ageing
Ageing will last at least two years, of which at least six months in oak barrel for whites and rosés; and twelve months for reds.
Viscous wines: Minimum two natural years in oak container.
Rancio wines: Minimum four years including two phases: wood and glass.
Vintage rating
Excellent: 2007
Very good: 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2003 | 2006 | 2008 | 2009
Good: 2002 | 2004 | 2005
Website: www.dotarragona.cat
|