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The
Vine and the Grape in Catalunya: 2000 Years of History |
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Vines
and grapes in Catalunya go as far back in time as Catalunya's
own history and culture.
The winds and the soil of that cradle of cultures, the Mediterranean
Sea, have together moulded grape growing and winemaking in Catalunya.
Brought by the Greeks and Phoenicians in their trading voyages
across the Mediterranean, vines were first planted in Catalunya
in the 4th Century BC, around the Greek metropolis of Emporiom
(nowadays Empúries). |
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During
the time of the Roman Empire, from the 2nd Century BC to the
5th Century AD, vine growing became consolidated in Catalunya,
being cultivated by the Romans themselves (a privilege granted
by Cicero in the year 125 BC).
By the year 100 BC, vineyards existed around all the Roman settlements
in Catalunya (Emporiae, Gerunda, Barcino, Tarraco... -Empúries,
Girona, Barcelona, Tarragona-), with highly significant production
levels; wine was exported to the capital of the Roman Empire,
Rome, as well as to Northern African cities and to Gaul (France)
and Britain. The wine was transported in amphorae (two-handled
clay vessels) manufactured in ovens constructed close to the
vineyards, such as Ermedes (Cornellà de Terri) and Castell
(Sant Boi de Llobregat)... |
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fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th Century AD and the subsequent
invasion first by Visigoths and then by Muslims led to a halt
in grape growing during the 6th, 7thand 8th centuries AD.
During the first half of the Middle Ages, the Catalan lands
formed the frontier between the French Kingdom and the Muslim
state of the Emirate of Cordoba (this territory becoming known
as the Marca Hispánica) and constant fighting devastated
the ground and made it impossible to cultivate.
It was during the 10th and 11th centuries that Barcelona
returned to its political and economic splendour, thanks firstly
to the Guifré I "the Hairy", Count of Barcelona
and later to Borrell II, who achieved independence from the
Kingdom of France, followed by the expansionist policies of
the reigns of Ramon Berenguer III and IV, Alfons I, Pere I
"the Catholic" and Jaume I "the Conqueror".
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In the reconquered Catalan lands, the Cistercian monks built
monumental monasteries such as the Santes Creus (11th century)
and Santa Maria de Poblet (12th century), establishing vineyards
once again around the monasteries and making wine in their cellars;
the men of the Reconquest were well versed in consolidating
the art of their cathedrals (the monasteries) with the fruits
of the earth (cereals, vines and olives). |
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rom the lands surrounding the monasteries, vineyards extended
over the whole southern geographical region of Catalunya, becoming
the main source of income for the Catalan farming community
by 1758 and one of the principal driving forces of the economy
- Catalan wines, meads and eau-de-vies were exported to the
English markets and overseas colonies, becoming the first chapter
in the long history of Catalan exports.
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T
owards the end of the 19th century, an artistic movement burst
onto the Catalan scene which is still a source of wonder today:
Modernism. Architects of the stature of Gaudí (1852-1926),
Cèsar Martinell (1888 -1973), Domènech i Montaner
(1850-1923) and Puig i Cadafalch (1867-1956) constructed wineries
under the auspices of the innovative spirit of the Mancomunitat
Catalana (formed in 1913). Examples of these genuine works of
art can be seen at the co-operatives wineries of Pinell del
Brai, Falset, Gandesa, Nulles, L'Espluga de Francolí,
Rocafort de Queralt and Sarral. Known as the Cathedrals of Wine,
a visit is highly recommended (see Cathedrals of Wine itinerary). |
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viticulture in Catalunya is not just about history, it is also
about modernity, about the application of state-of-the-art technology
(trellising methods, health and clone control, fermenting under
controlled temperatures, ageing of wine in oak casks, analysis
and constant quality controls...), resulting in wines of inimitable
quality, which, combined with their long tradition, ensure that
Catalan wines continue to be acclaimed all over the world.
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