Spotlight on Sustainability: Perelada is Europe’s first winery to achieve LEED Gold

It’s the highest certification for sustainability on a world level

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On January 12^th, 2024, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) officially confirmed that 2023 was the warmest year on record, and smashed the global temperature record. Never has the imperative to consider sustainability been more relevant.

Tucked in the northeastern corner of Catalonia, Spain and surrounded by the Pyrenees Mountains to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, Perelada Winery (located in the village of Peralada – with a tiny spelling difference), sits amid a breathtaking setting.

This is Europe’s first winery to have achieved LEED Gold (LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), earning the recognition in 2021. LEED is the highest certification for sustainability on a world level, for the high standards of sustainability and efficiency in its construction, operation and maintenance.

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Perelada is also one of the seven wineries behind the Wineries for Climate Protection manifesto (the first certification of environmental sustainability for the wine sector) and is a member of the Forest Stewardship Council (that promotes the sustainable use of wood from responsibly managed forests to preserve biodiversity). It is a project recognized for its landscape architecture and integration into the territory, sustainability initiatives, innovative oenology, top-tier wine tourism and consistently high-quality wines.

Celebrating its centenary anniversary in 2023, Perelada is one of the flagship wineries of the Emporda Designation of Origin with a history built on revitalising a winemaking tradition that began in the 14^th-century monastery of Perelada Castle. It’s portfolio of both still and sparkling wines varies from qualitative wines that remain affordable, to single vineyard emblematic estate ones and up to Finca Garbet which is considered one of Catalonia’s 10 best wines.

Designed by 2017 Pritzker Prize winning firm RCR Arquitectes, the winery itself is an architectural marvel that is an ode to sustainability, eco-efficiency, the environment and the region. Modern in a subtly quiet way, futuristic and minimalist while being warm and welcoming, it is a quiet and respectful presence within the landscape. Gazing around, one can’t help but realize the incredible mindfulness that went into every element of the ‘new’ winery that opened in June 2022.

“The visitor enters with curiosity and leaves knowing a landscape, a craft, an aroma and some secrets of Perelada wine.” – RCR Arquitectes

Built alongside the redesigned historic buildings, the new winery seamlessly integrates into the old as well as into the natural environment. While the design and aesthetics are impressive, the clear focus on sustainability, energy reduction and the surrounding ecosystem as main priorities are even more so.

“It was a titanic task of engineering, architecture and winemaking that makes the project something of a marvel,” admits Delfi Sanahuja, chief oenologist and technical director. “We also wanted to respect the flow of the wine, from the arrival of the grapes to bottling. Wine needs care and attention but does not like too much manipulation. We use only the technology we really need, thinking about gravity to make the grapes fall so that the wine does not have to be moved up or down, using little energy, and devoting great efforts to sustainability.”

An underground marvel

The key strategies for achieving LEED Gold status were landscape integration, minimal water and low energy consumption, and the use of low-impact materials. The winery itself is a mostly underground marvel covered by a vegetated green roof that integrates into the landscape creating outdoor spaces with permeable soils and native plant species that uses 90 percent less water than in normal landscaping.

Rainwater management combined with low-drinking-water-consumption facilities result in a 75 percent reduction in consumption compared to a standard building. Regenerative agriculture, taking into account biodiversity and the elimination of herbicides, is an increasingly important priority in and around the winery and vineyards. The estate’s herb and vegetable gardens supply produce to the on-site restaurant and wine bar.

Since 1995, Perelada has been involved in a plan for the reintroduction of storks in the gardens of Castillo Perelada (with 30 pairs of storks now nesting in the gardens). Even the spittoon cups used for wine tastings are 100 percent biodegradable, reusable, recyclable and made from by-product cereal husks.

High-level thermal insulation, use of geothermal energy (to reduce heating demand in winter and to control solar radiation in summer) and the partial burial and minimal exposure of the cellar to the outside environment (the contact of the walls and floor with the ground mimics a cave) help achieve 37 percent energy savings when compared to reference buildings.

An efficient geothermal system extracts both heat and cold from the ground and channels them into the buildings to reduce energy consumption on heating, cooling and hot water systems, as well as pollution emissions. A gravity-based production system uses progressive height differences to minimize mechanical requirements.

Natural light is filtered in though perforations in the rooftop and all other lighting uses energy efficient LED technology. Recycled and locally manufactured building materials are used wherever possible, and all materials and paints were chosen for low levels of volatile organic compound pollutants.

Precision vineyard watering is assured by satellite imagery and deeply planted drip irrigation lines to limit water waste and runoff. An avant-garde Intranox Oresteo system re-uses the CO2 generated during the wine’s fermentation and enables pump-free and hose-free remontage. Bottles that are 100 grams lighter and 100 percent recyclable are starting to be introduced to reduce the CO2 footprint and glass waste with a goal to using these for all wines eventually. By 2025, Perelada’s 150 hectares of vineyards will have transitioned to certified organic practices.

The sheer number of sustainability initiatives integrated into every aspect of this award-winning winery is impressive already. The list of sustainability initiatives will continue to grow with a goal of 200 by 2028 and with sustainability being a cornerstone of Perelada’s corporate identity.

Experimental and creative wines that reflect the region’s diversity

Alongside its clear focus on sustainability, Perelada strives to be at the forefront of experimentation and research with 188 tanks of different capacities used to separate the grapes by plot and varietal, and to produce wines that are more distinct. These include microvinifications as part of the ExEx concept (an acronym for Exceptional Experiences), an experimental section for research into viticulture and winemaking established in 1998 with a goal of continuous experimentation, research, and improvement. Templo, or Temple, is a space dedicated to creativity for the winery’s most distinctive wines, such as Finca Garbet and Gran Claustro, and special reserves.

“We aim to surprise people with authentic wines, deeply rooted in the land, possessing a distinct character, and making the most of the exceptional peculiarities of our region,” says Sanahuja.

The setting is breathtaking – at the intersection of coast and mountains – and makes Perelada a unique place. The thought, consideration and design given to the winery and to how the wines are made results in wines reflecting a sense of place and environment. Every design aspect was chosen and developed to make the most of the variations in sunshine, rain, wind (the tramontane, a northerly wind that can blow up to 120 km/h, which helps clean the air and ensure healthy vineyards), soil type and vineyard diversity.

The wines produced are in stark contrast to the preconceived image that many people have of Spanish wines with the first regions coming to mind likely being Rioja and Priorat and the style being bold reds with high tannins. Here the mountain, coastal and wind influences on the terroir combined with the winemaking methods result in wines that are beautifully balanced and fresh with bright flavours.

A complete food and wine tourism travel destination

Promoting wine culture and knowledge in general is a priority for the winery with guided tastings and winery visits through a labyrinth of stairs, hallways, five multimedia presentation rooms – each standing for one of Perelada’s five estates – and elevated viewing platforms over the winemaking areas.

The nearby 14^th century Castell Perelada and Convent del Carme site, featuring a 14^th century Gothic church and cloister, includes a renowned art collection; wine, glass, and ceramics museums; gardens and an impressive library. The group also runs a five-star hotel, wine spa, golf course, casino and the Castell de Peralada Festival is held annually during July and August. Restaurants include Michelin-starred Castell Perelada located inside the castle and helmed by Javi Martínez and Toni Gerez.

“Functionality, architecture, sustainability and wine tourism are the four cornerstones of this project,” explains Delfi. “We wanted spaces to evoke emotions so people can understand, comprehend and feel the world of wine. Our aim is to thrill and surprise”.

On one on my last evenings at Perelada, sitting in the castle gardens under an almost full moon, with a glass of Finca La Garriga 2018 in my hand, I tell Delfi that they have achieved that aim. His smile confirms that I am not the first person to have said that.

 

– Alana Lapierre is a regional editor with VineRoutes