Emporda is a maritime region located in the north of Catalonia, its vineyards skirting the Pyrenees and situated very near to the French boarder. Banyuls is not far away; neither, for that matter, is the Spanish city of Girona. The famous El Bulli restaurant no doubt listed an Emporda or two as its house wine!

The influence of the Mediterranean, allied to the altitude of the vines and the Tramantana wind all inform the styles of wines which speak the language of purity , freshness and bright fruit character.

Carinyena (aka Samsó in these parts) is the key red variety along with Garnaxta Negra, and there are fascinating whites made form Macabeu and Garnatxa Blanca. Oak is used sparingly and the styles of the wines chime with the current trend for wines which are not over-whelmed by alcohol or wood. A region to watch.
Simon Field MW