Codorniu

:. Codorníu a respectful partner of the land and its fruits.

Most of the Penedès is made up of a central depression surrounded by mountains running from northeast to southwest. The traditional Penedès region has a variety of soils due to its diverse geology and topography.

Viticulture takes place in the central area, away from the Mediterranean coastline and protected by the Monserrat Mountains. In the centre the plots are flat, however they become steep, craggy and difficult to cultivate at the extreme edges.

CODORNÍU VINEYARDS

- CODORNÍU VINEYARDS

See 'Our land' picture gallery

:. A short account of our land.

The land’s history is both infinite and remarkable; it inspires respect and makes us feel humble. Suffice it to say that the alpine Miocene fold gave rise to the Catalan Massif fault, creating the pre-coastal depression of the Penedès Valley. Subsequently (16 million years later), the Mediterranean invaded the Tarragonès district and flooded the pre-coastal depression up to the River Besòs.

:. Our climate

The climate is Mediterranean: bright and sunny, with mild winters and summers that are not excessively hot, moderate rainfall that is optimum for grape growing, with different microclimates according to elevation.

The average temperature is 14.5ºC. The average minimum temperature is 2.9ºC in January whereas the maximum is 28.4ºC in July. Frosts can occur between 1 November and 26 April.

CODORNÍU VINEYARDS

- CODORNÍU VINEYARDS

Average annual rainfall is 497mm, with an average of 72 days of rain each year. The rainy seasons are mainly in spring, autumn and winter.

:. The watercourse

The Penedès central depression drains in two directions, like a roof; one runs southeast and the other northeast. Whereas the first sends its waters to the Mediterranean via streams, brooks and torrents, the second feeds into the River Anoia.

:. Predominant vegetation

Typically Mediterranean vegetation, with original oak forests that have been replaced by white pine, rosemary and other bush plants

Small forests of pine and oak have been respected, whereas in the shaded parts of torrents, near river courses, we find stands of black poplars and other riverside trees.

Wine in moderation