The Penedes wine region is located in Northeastern Spain and is closely associated with Barcelona, which is 30 minutes Northeast of the DO. The vineyards are located in 10 distinct zones that cover the area between Barcelona and the Tarragona DO. This is a large area with 18K ha of vines, that takes in multiple mesoclimatic zones that include warmer (region IV zones) and cooler (Region 2 and 3 Zones) higher elevation areas. This alows for the successful production of high quality sparkling wines (Cava) and hearty complex and more elegant wines, both red and white as well as refreshing rose (Rosado). At an average ASL of 600 meters, the vast majority of the region experiences a large diurnal flux that allows the grapes to retain excellent acid balance and structure. Soil series do vary throughout the vast region to include limestone, various marls, clays, chalks and alluvials that further contribute to the regions ability to cultivate a wide variety of cultivars (grape types). The diversity of wine types and vines is perhaps the broadest in all of Spain and it also includes most of the vineyard land approved for the production of Cava, Spain's premier sparkling wine. It's historical association with Miguel Torres catapulted the region into International fame. Cava, which is produced by Methode Champenoise or Metodo Tradicional, became a major player in the International Marketplace in the 1980's and producers like Freixenet and Cordoniu became common features in fine dining restaurants and fine wine shops across the USA. Today, Cava produces 252 million bottle, placing it second after Champagne for traditional method sparkling wines. The region has a wide variety of mesoclimatic zones enabling the successful production of a wide spectrum of varieties like Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Moscatel, Muscat, Slate, Granite, Gravels, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo (Ull de Llebre), Samso (Carignan), Macabeo (Viura), Peralada, Garnacha, Monastrell, Xarel-lo, Malvasia, Moscatel, Sauvignon Blanc and even Pinot Noir. Getting back to Miguel Torres, the picture depicts one of his great wines called Mas La Plana, a Cabernet Sauvignon that is truly world class and at one time simply called Torres Gran Coronas Black Label, the first of which I had was from the 1960's. The winery also produces an excellent Pinot Noir called Mas Boras among others including wines from Priorat, the Ribera del Duero, Rias Baixas and Cava. Speaking of Cava, what was once a marginal sparkling imitation of Champagne with funky flavors has really evolved into one of the finest sparkling wines in the World. Approximately 95% of all Spanish Cava is produced from vineyards associated with the Cava DO approved zones within Penedes. One of my favorites is Raventos i Blanc, a long time producer of excellent Cava that is very clean and a legitimate alternative to fine Champagne at a fraction of the price or most Marquee brands. Other brands offering outstanding value for everyday drinking include Juve e Camps, Cordoniu, Sugura Viudas, Rondel, Castilla Perelada, Jaume Serra, Conde de Caralt, and Mont Marcal. The region is said to be 90% Oraganic with a goal to reach 100% sometine in 2025. The number of fine producers is impressive but to name just a few besides Torres and Raventos i Blanc, there is Colet, AT Roca, Albet i Noya, Summarroca, Avgvtvs Forvm, Can Freixes, Can Rafols de Caus, Jean Leon, Pares Balta,