Join us for an exploration of Catalan wines.
Event details
Join us for an exploration of Catalan wines. This one hour webinar will cover the distinctive characteristics, historical significance and production techniques of the region. Ferran Centelles DipWSET will share ten key facts about these wines from this vibrant and diverse country, so join us to learn more.
The new series of 60-minute webinars are ideal for beginners looking to learn more about wine.
Speakers
Ferran Centelles DipWSET, Wine Director, elBulliFoundation
Ferran Centelles has been linked to wine team at elBulli project since 1999. He was awarded Best Sommelier in Spain in 2006 (Ruinart), National Gastronomy Award in 2011 and WSET Best Alumni 2020. He lectures wine in many schools through Spain, Chile and Colombia. He holds the WSET Diploma and the Advanced Level of the Court of Master Sommeliers. He is a regular judge in international competitions such as Decanter World Wine, where he is the regional co-Chair for Spain. Furthermore, Ferran is the President of the Sommelier Jury at the Taste Institute (Bruxelles). Nowadays, he is the Spanish specialist for www.jancisrobinson.com. His main occupation is linked to elBullifoundation as a Drinks Director. He is in charge of the content of “Bullipedia: Sapiens del Vino”, a full wine encyclopedia devoted to gather the wine knowledge for future sommeliers. He has also published three wine books.
Alba Balcells i Barril, General Director, INCAVI
Alba Balcells i Barril has held the position of General Director at the Catalan Institute of Vineyard and Wine (INCAVI) since June 2021. Alba's educational background is anchored in Political Sciences and Administration, with a specialization in management and public administrations from UPF. Additionally, she possesses a master's degree in Participation and Local Politics from UAB, along with three international certificates in wine knowledge and wine production processes accredited by WSET.
During the period from 2008 to 2015, Alba served as an advisor on agricultural policies to the Parliament of Catalonia. Subsequently, between late 2016 and 2021, she was a member of the Office of Institutional Relations in the Parliament of the Department of Agriculture, Branches, Fisheries, and Food. During this tenure, she played an integral role in the formulation and implementation of legislation related to viticulture, including the Viticulture of Catalonia (2/2020), Agrarian Spaces (3/2019), and Prevention of Losses and Food Malfeasance (3/2020), among others.
Presently, Alba is recognized as an expert in Commission III, "Economy and Law," within the Scientific and Technical Commission (CST) of the International Organization of Vineyard and Wine (OIV). She has actively participated in various wine tasting projects and international competitions, including the prestigious Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and the Extreme Spirits International Contest (CERVIM).
Concurrently, under her leadership, the Catalan Institute of Wine and Wine has spearheaded the Qualified Estate Wines Project. This initiative represents the highest institutional recognition of Catalonia's premium wines and vineyards, showcasing the region's diverse terroirs.
This event does not necessarily constitute official WSET course material and should not be used as such.