The Penedes district is between Barcelona and Tarragona in Catalonia, North Eastern Spain. It takes its name not from a town or village but from a former administrative area which covered the hilly coastal area. The mountains of Montserrat mark the border to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The mild Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing vines, with warm summers, mild winters and moderate rainfall - there is evidence that the Romans planted vineyards here. Due to the complex topography of the coastal hills, the microclimates are varied, the slightly wetter weather in the valleys means there is no need for irrigation. The soil compositions range from chalky clay to sandstone, with distinct depth differences. This Cava is produced from the native Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada varieties. Xarello, sometimes hyphenated as Xarel-lo, is a light-skinned native Catalan grape noted for bringing high acidity to the blend, an essential characteristic of sparkling wine, and refreshing citrusy flavours. Macabeo is a synonym for Viura and produces fresh, floral and aromatic wines. At the same time, Parellada flourishes in higher altitude sites where it retains acidity and brings complementary notes of blossom and green apple.