This month, we land in Catalonia, Spain.

Their wines blend French flair with local tradition, creating a deliciously diverse lineup. Thanks to its mix of geography and micro-climates, this region grows everything from sun-loving reds like Garnacha and Carignan to crisp whites like Macabeo and Xarel-lo (perfect for Cava). Sun-drenched rows of grapevines stretch out as far as the eye can see, cradled between the imposing Pyrenees Mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The vineyards, meticulously tended by passionate vintners, tell stories of resilience and dedication, creating wines that are a true reflection of Catalonia’s soul. We can’t wait for you to try this month’s lineup.

The Halfseas Team

ALL CLUB MEMBERS GET TO ENJOY THESE 3 BOTTLES:

2022 Alta Alella, PB

Grape: Pansa Blanca
Region: Alella
Retail: $19

Alella, a small region northeast of Barcelona, is known for its dry, crisp white wines from Xarel-lo (Pansa Blanca), Garnacha Blanca, Viura/Macabeo, and some international varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Alta Alella, run by Josef and Cristina, embodies a commitment to nature and innovation, producing low-intervention wines with no added sulfites and minimal post-pressing adjustments. Despite being a newer winery, they are making significant progress in the Barcelona wine scene.

“PB” means Pansa Blanca, otherwise known as Xarello, one of the traditional grapes used for Cava. Pansa Blanca is a blank canvas for its Mediterranean microclimate, taking in a salty almond characteristic reminiscent of its coastal influence.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Calamari

2022 Pardas Sus Scofia

Grape: Sumoll
Region: Penedès
Retail: $23

Ramon Parera and Jordi Arnan, oenologist and agronomist respectively, started the PARDAS project in 1996, with the idea of making the best wine possible at the Can Comas property, becoming viticulturist and winemakers. 
We are 100% viticulturists.
We only produce what we have personally grown at our vineyard.
We project the wine from the land, and we only feel winemakers when we start the grape harvest.
We work our vineyard carefully, in a sensible, empathic and calm way. With delicate grape harvest and vinification, without any kind of aging, our will is to offer a natural, direct and honest Sumoll wine. The result is a wine festivity, pure fruit.

We have worked hard, just enjoy it. Sumoll is a rare red grape native to Catalonia. It is an old, late-ripening variety that is somewhat finicky to cultivate and vinify. Although it declined in popularity throughout the 20th century, it is still important in Penedès DO, where it is used both in varietals and blends, and for still and sparkling wines.

Drinking & pairing ideas: tapas

2018 Jané Ventura Vines Negres

Grapes: Tempranillo 30%, Red Grenache 28%, Syrah 20%, Sumoll 16%, Carignan 10%
Region: Penedès
Retail: $22

Since 1914, Jané Ventura has been a family run-operation in the village of El Vendrell. The vineyards are located in the region of Baix Penedès, north of Tarragona, in small plots between the sea and the mountains. The Bodega is actually run by the last generation, Gerard Jané, who brings his experience and joyful passion to the family business that has been passed down to him. He now produces a wide range of wines and cavas, all characterized by their approachability and charm. 
The label symbolizes the mountain wine-growing landscape of the beautiful corners of the Baix Penedès, with the humanized landscape of vineyards, olive trees, carob trees and almond trees accompanying a farmhouse, a hut and countless margins of Pedra Seca.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Fish stew

6-BOTTLE MEMBERS ALSO GET TO ENJOY THESE 3 BOTTLES:

2023 Avinyó ‘Pétilliant’ Vi d’Agulla

Grapes: 70% Muscat, 20% Maccabeu, 10% Xarel-lo
Region: Penedés
Retail: $23

Avinyó is owned by the Esteve Nadal family in the heart of Barcelona. He planted vines 50 years ago to make wine for his friends and today his children have taken over, making fine quality sparkling wines including this top notch lightly fizzy white. Made in a dry style from Muscat, it has expressive aromas of pear, honeysuckle, and green apple. This is one for your wine tasting bucket list!

Drinking & pairing ideas: Mild chicken or paneer tikka masala

2022 Cellar Frisach L'Abrunet Negre

Grapew: Garnacha Fina 60%, Cariñena 40%
Region: Terra Alta D.O.

Retail: $22

Terra Alta, Catalonia's southernmost and highest DO, is known for its high elevations up to 3,000 ft. The region’s traditional winemaking involves co-fermenting Carignan and Garnacha grapes, which are harvested and fermented together before aging in concrete tanks. L’Abrunet de Frisach Negre is a light, fruity wine with ripe red fruit, floral, and spicy notes. With over 200 years of family farming heritage, Francesc and Joan Frisach launched Celler Frisach in 2009 to honor their ancestors' legacy and enhance their vineyard’s potential.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Wood-fired pizza

2021 La Cartuja

Grapes: 70% Garnacha, 30% Mazuelo (Cariñena). Vines planted since 2002.
Region: Priorat
Retail: $24

La Cartuja is a modern take on DOCa Priorat's rich history, named after the Carthusian monks who significantly influenced the region's viticulture during medieval times. Today, Priorat is known for its prestigious, mineral-rich reds from volcanic slate soils and holds the top DOCa status. La Cartuja offers an approachable style with moderate alcohol and soft tannins, making it drinkable younger than most Priorat wines. Produced from estate-owned grapes in the Les Solanes vineyard, this small-production wine captures Priorat's unique mineral character and blue fruit flavors, representing the region's authentic identity. Priorat, known for its steep, hilly terrain and century-old Garnacha and Carignan vines, produces some of Spain’s most sought-after wines.

Drinking & pairing ideas: Roast lamb

Looking for past lineups? We got you.

REMINDERS

• As always, our food suggestions are just starting points. Wine is nostalgic and we’re big fans of making what you like, drinking what you like, and not giving a damn if they “go” together.

• Email us at info@halfseaswine.com to buy more single bottles or a 12-bottle case with special pricing.

• Wine pairs best with friends. Tell your friends.