Growers and winemakers in the vineyards of the Ampurdán - called the Empordà in Catalan - have turned their attention to healthier clones of vines and new fermentation technology. As a result this area promises to become a producer of high quality wines. Although this is traditionally cooperative country, new small family bodegas, often guided by young oenologists, are springing up. They, too, are renovating vinification methods. Traditionally sweet natural wines have been the speciality here, as in France, just over the border, but today the bodegas are winning recognition for modern young reds, standing up to the most interesting wines of Spain.
