Like a rare and valuable collectors item, hidden in a corner under decades of dust, The Conca de Barbera remained an economic backwater for the last 200 years, too small and too far from markets. However, this was the area chosen by French Cistercians 800 years ago as the site for their largest monastery in Europe, because of its natural beauty, excellent climate and suitability for cultivation of continental style red wine varieties. It is now re-emerging as one of Spain's wine regions par excellence. The Sangenís-Llivi i Perelló family of Pacs del Penedès have been involved in the cultivation of vineyards for generations. In 1977 the family created the La Xarmada label and have progressively expanded the company with the acquisition of 90 hectacres of vineyards in Blancafort and Solivella in the D.O. Conca de Barbera.