The wine region in the historic area of Empordā (Ampurdan) was established in 1975 under the name of Ampurdán-Costa Brava. In 2006, the name was changed to the current one DO Empordā. The number of wineries in the region had been growing rapidly until 2008-2009 when it reached 40. In recent years, there have been about 45 active wine estates. The large portion of them is concentrated in the district of Alt Empordā, while Baix Empordā has fewer wineries, most huddled close to the town of Calonge.
The main grape varietals grown in DO Empordā are Garnatxa Negra (Black Grenache) and Carignan (Samsó) for red wines, and Garnatxa Blanca (White Grenache), Garnatxa Roja (Red Grenache), Moscatell and Macabeu (also known as Viura) for white wines.
Unique climate conditions in DO Empordā contribute significantly to the high quality of locally produced wine. Hot summers, mild winters, and dry northern wind Tramuntana are a godsend for winemakers and a constant headache for locals employed in other industries.
The composition of soil in the mountainous areas of DO Empordā that adds body and minerality to local wines is comparable to that of DOC Priorat. DO Empordā, however, is not likely to ever reach the highest honour of the DOC designation. For political reasons, the region with the best resorts in the country and the big money that comes with them will not be given any more perks despite the best efforts of the winemakers and the growing quality of wine produced here.
DO Empordā in numbers
- Total area occupied by vineyards: 2000 ha. There are currently 45 wine estates in the region.
- Average annual production volume: 6.5 million liters of wine. 4 million are bottled with the label of DO Empordā.
- 15% of wine produced is exported, mainly to other European countries.
- There are over 300 wines produced, 60% of which are red, 19% are white, 17% are rosé, and 4% are sweet dessert wines.