Wine blog

Have you ever tried a red wine and felt your mouth dry out? In that case you have experienced tannins. Tannins are one of the most important, and sometimes misunderstood, components of wine that gives structure. But what exactly are tannins, and where do they come from? What are tannins? Tannins are naturally occurring compounds that belong to a group called polyphenols. They are found in many plants, such as tea leaves, walnuts, and most importantly for our line of business; grapes. In wine, tannins cause the drying, slightly bitter sensation you experience on your gums and tongue when drinking certain styles. Most often when you drink full-bodied reds. Tannins are not flavours, but a texture or mouthfeel. Tannins are often described as “grippy,” “firm,” or even “velvety,” depending on the style of the wine. Where do tannins come from? In winemaking, tannins mainly come from four sources: 1. Grape skins Red wines are fermented with their skins, this actually gives them their colour. T

The flagship grape variety that captures the essence of Spain vividly is Tempranillo. This red grape is at the heart of Spanish winemaking for centuries, delivering some of the country’s most iconic wines. From the oak-aged reds of Rioja to the rich and fruit-forward wines of Ribera del Duero. Tempranillo reflects both tradition and versatility. It is a grape that continues to inspire winemakers - and delight wine lovers - around the world. The origins of Tempranillo The name Tempranillo comes from the Spanish word temprano, meaning “early,” referring to its tendency to ripen earlier than most other red grape varieties. While its precise origins are debated, most agree it has been cultivated in the Iberian Peninsula for over a thousand years. Today, it’s the backbone of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions, including Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro, and La Mancha. Tempranillo has also traveled well. You can find it thriving in Portugal (where it’s known as Tinta Roriz or Aragonez) and e

Few places in Europe can match the charm and variety of the Catalonian wine region. Stretching from the Mediterranean coast to the foothills of the Pyrenees, Catalonia offers an incredible patchwork of landscapes, climates, and grape varieties. It’s a region where ancient winemaking traditions meet modern craftsmanship, and where every valley seems to tell its own story through the glass. The spirit of Catalonia in every glass Wine has been part of Catalonia’s identity for more than 2.000 years. From the Romans who first planted vines near Tarragona to the dynamic winemakers of today, this region has always been known for innovation and quality. What makes the Catalonian wine region truly special is its diversity, not just of grapes, but of climates and terroirs. The Mediterranean coastline brings warmth and sea breezes, while inland areas enjoy cooler nights and higher altitudes. These contrasts allow winemakers to produce everything from crisp whites to bold reds and elegant sparklin

Barcelona may be famous for architecture, beaches, and food, but just beyond the city lies one of Spain’s most exciting wine landscapes. When people search for Wineries in Barcelona Spain, they are often surprised to learn how close world-class vineyards are to the city. Within an hour’s drive, you’ll find historic cava producers, bold Priorat estates, and family-run wineries shaping the future of Spanish wine. What makes this area special is not just the quality of the wines, but the variety. Sparkling, powerful reds, and elegant terroir-driven bottlings all coexist within a compact region that’s easy to explore. Wine regions near Barcelona Barcelona sits at the crossroads of several important wine regions. The most accessible is Penedès, the heart of cava production. Travel slightly further inland and the dramatic hills of Priorat and Montsant reveal some of Spain’s most intense red wines. These regions form the backbone of wine tourism around Barcelona. If you want context before vi

What to expect from a wine tasting in Barcelona? Barcelona is famous for art museums, the beach and obviously its Mediterranean lifestyle. Did you know it also one of the best cities in Europe to explore Spanish wines? Whether you just discovered the beauty of wine or a seasoned wine enthusiast, a wine tasting in Barcelona is always a great activity to discover the country’s diverse flavours. As a certified sommelier, I held many wine tastings in Barcelona for visitors, expats and locals. They are all impressed by the quality of the wines that Spain makes and the beautiful stories behind each bottle. If you’re considering booking a wine tasting in Barcelona, here’s what to expect. A Relaxed, personal wine experience in Barcelona When you join our wine tasting in Barcelona, do not expect it to be super formal or using difficult terms (unless you want us too). Our tastings are designed to be a small social setting with friends, family, colleagues or even strangers. Don’t worry; you won’t

Your essential wine bottle guide for every occasion. Wine isn’t just about what’s inside the bottle. Sometimes, the size of the bottle itself tells a story. From intimate half-bottles perfect for a quiet dinner to spectacular formats designed for grand celebrations, wine comes in an astonishing variety of shapes and volumes. At The Barcelona Wine Company, we often get questions about wine bottle sizes during tastings and workshops like our Battle of the Bodegas. Guests are fascinated to learn how bottle size can affect not only the way we serve wine but also how it develops over time. Here’s a practical guide to the most common (and the most impressive) wine bottle sizes and why size matters. The standard: 750 ml Most wines you buy in a restaurant or a store are in the familiar 750 ml bottle, the global standard. It is the perfect size to share between two to four people at dinner (or is it?). There is some debate about why this volume became the norm. Some say it had to do with making