DO area on the Mediterranean coast in the region of Catalonia in the northeast of Spain. It is divided into three zones ascending from the coast. The warmest zone is Bajo-Penedès (also Baix-Penedès) in the low-lying coastal region with up to 250 meters above sea level. The second zone Mitja-Penedès (also Medio-Penedès) with up to 500 meters above sea level is located west of Barcelona and is the most important zone for sparkling wines and excellent white wines. The third zone Alta-Penedès (also Alt-Penedès) is the highest zone with up to 850 meters above sea level. Before the phylloxera catastrophe, which began in 1876, more than 80% of Penedès's vineyards were planted with red grape varieties, most of which were used to produce mass wines. From the beginning of the 1960s the rise began, the area is considered the cradle of modern, Spanish viticulture. Penedès is the home of the Spanish sparkling wine Cava, which accounts for about two thirds of the total Spanish production. However, the DO designation Penedès only applies to still wines. The picture shows a vineyard with Ull de Llebre = Tempranillo:
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