On the grapevine - The natural wine shift in Catalonia

Natural wine is a growing movement in Catalonia, rooted in both tradition and innovation. With diverse terroirs and a long winemaking history, regions such as Penedès, Alt Empordà, Conca de Barberà and Terra Alta & Priorat have become hubs for natural winemakers. This week on Filling the Sink we find out what natural wine is, who is making it and why Catalonia is gaining recognition on the global natural wine scene. Producer Rafa Camps from La Natural describes the challenges of small-scale natural wine production, including climate change and spontaneous fermentation. Experts Benji Sher and Ida Mogren from the natural wine education centre SucSuc explain the philosophy behind natural wine, rooted in ethics and sustainability. We visit the natural wine restaurant Amateur in Barcelona to meet owner Marco Bolatti and chef Tomás Esmoris and discover the cuisine and aesthetic which accompany the Catalan natural wine boom and which appeal to younger, less traditional wine drinkers. Plus reporter Cillian Shields joins host Beth Cohen to review some key natural wine terminology and discuss the up-and-coming natural wine bars in Barcelona. This week, our Catalan phrase is “Bon vi fa bon cor” - “Good wine makes a good heart”. It’s a classic saying which expresses the belief that wine, enjoyed in moderation, brings joy and warmth to the soul.