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The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture has officially approved the native grape varieties Belat (in the picture) and Marina Rion for viticulture and wine production in Catalonia. Both varieties were already cultivated before the phylloxera plague at the end of the 19th century but were long considered lost. They were rediscovered in the late 1990s by Josep Maria Albet, the founder of the winery Albet i Noya ** in Penedès.
The winery has been advocating for their official recognition for over 20 years and produces wines from both grape varieties. Josep Maria Albet announced that he would also make cuttings available for propagation to other wineries. "We found them here in Penedès, and I consider it essential to include them in the DO Penedès," he said. "We are ready to share noble cuttings with anyone who wants to plant Marina Rion and Belat and contribute to the future of Catalan viticulture.
Marina Rion was found in an old family vineyard and produces white wines with lively acidity reminiscent of Xarel-lo. Belat, discovered in an abandoned vineyard in the mountains west of Barcelona, yields fresh red wines with soft tannins.
(al / Source: wine-searcher)