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

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

Tasting wine in 4 simple steps Whether you drink the occasional glass at home, visiting a restaurant or joining a wine tasting in Barcelona, knowing how to approach a glass of wine can make the experience even better. It is not about being a snob about wine but it adds a lot of fun to tasting a glass of wine. Tasting wine is not just about just drinking; it’s almost like playing a game of Cluedo; you are look for clues about the wine by observing, smelling, and tasting so you can understand what’s in your glass. The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) has developed an internationally acknowledged structured approach to wine tasting that professionals and enthusiast around the world use. They use different levels but for the use of this wine tasting we apply level 1. Our sommelier is certified on level 3 and working on level 4. We use the level 1 approach to tasting during our wine tasting in Barcelona to make it easier for our guests. Here’s how you can apply it yourself in four simpl

Wine making method for still wines When people join our wine tasting in Barcelona, one of the most asked questions is: “How exactly is wine made?” We’ll give you a brief overview of the wine making method in this blog, in this case we’ll leave vineyard management out of scope. While harvest is an exciting moment for any wine maker, the real transformation of fruit to the wine you enjoy happens inside the winery. This wine making process combines tradition, science, and centuries of experience. In Spain, where wine culture is deeply rooted in history, the methods vary by region and by style. Still, there are some essential steps that every winemaker follows. Let’s take a closer look at what happens once the grapes enter the winery. Sorting, de-stemming and crushing The first stage is sorting. Grapes are carefully checked to remove leaves, stems, or damaged fruit. This ensures only the best grapes make it into your wine. You can imagine that for fine wines this will be done more diligent

If there is one grape variety that captures the soul of Catalonia, it must be Garnacha. Also known as Grenache in France and other wine-growing countries like Australia. This grape variety has played a big role in Mediterranean winemaking for ages. Its versatility, richness, and approachable style make it a favourite among both winemakers and wine drinkers. If you want to understand Spain through its wines, start with Garnacha. It’s a super versatile grape variety ranging from light fruit forward wines to ripe herbaceous wines. It expresses the surrounding of where it has been made very well and is easy to start drinking red wine. It pairs well with many different dishes like meats or roasted vegetables. Note: this blog is about the red variety, we dedicate a later blog to the white variety. What is Garnacha? Garnacha is one of the most widely planted red grape varieties in the world. It originated in Aragon (northeastern Spain), before spreading throughout Catalonia, Navarra, and Rioj