Côtes Catalanes and its wines

The Côtes Catalanes is a Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP) of the south of France, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales, in the region Occitanie, on the border with Spain and the Mediterranean. This area, with its strong Mediterranean and Catalan, is famous for producing intense, sun-drenched red wines, fragrant whites e lively rosés, often from indigenous or low-yielding grape varieties.

The area is highly regarded for its winemaking freedom granted to producers under the IGP, which allows the use of a wide range of grape varieties, both traditional ones such as Grenache, Carignan and Macabeu, as well as international ones such as Syrah, Merlot e Chardonnay.

What is the Côtes Catalanes wine district?

TheIGP Côtes Catalanes, established in 2003, covers the whole the département of the Pyrénées-Orientales, taking in historic wine areas such as:

• Roussillon and Vallespir
• Aspres and Fenouillèdes
• Côte Vermeille
• Upper Vallée de l’Agly

This IGP allows for varied production, with approaches that are also natural and artisan, and is becoming one of the most interesting hubs of contemporary Mediterranean wine.

Characteristics of Côtes Catalanes Wines

Colour

• Reds: Deep ruby red, sometimes purple-tinged in the young wines.
• Whites: Bright straw yellow, golden in the more mature wines.
• Rosés: Salmon or cherry pink, luminous and clear.

Aromas

• Fruity: Ripe red fruit, plum, fig in the reds; peach, apple and citrus in the whites.
• Floral: Jasmine, broom and rose in the rosés and aromatic whites.
• Spicy and Herbaceous: Thyme, rosemary, black pepper and liquorice, typical of the Mediterranean scrub.

Palate

• Powerful and Sunny: In the reds from Grenache and Syrah, with good alcoholic structure.
• Fresh and Fruity: In the whites and rosés, with moderate acidity and marine notes.
• Rustic but Expressive: In the more artisanal, natural versions.

Typical Grape Varieties of the Côtes Catalanes

Black Grape Varieties

• Grenache Noir: Dominant, with rich fruit and spice.
• Carignan: An ancient variety of the area, tannic and deep.
• Syrah: Used for structure and spicy aromas.
• Mourvèdre, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon: Used in blends or as a single variety to give stylistic variety.

White Grape Varieties

• Macabeu (Macabeo): Fresh, floral and mineral.
• Grenache Blanc: Full-bodied and slightly oxidative.
• Muscat: Used for sweet, aromatic wines.
• Chardonnay, Vermentino: Found in modern blends.

Why Choose a Wine from the Côtes Catalanes?

The wines of the Côtes Catalanes are the expression of a viticulture Mediterranean, free and dynamic. Perfect with grills, spicy dishes, Catalan cooking, hard cheeses and barbecued meat, offer a excellent value for money and a a remarkable variety of styles, from intense reds to salty whites and food-friendly rosés.