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Terra Alta Garnachas, some of the best in the world

20/10/2020 Production area

The Garnacha variety originates on the Iberian peninsula and grows all around the winemaking world. In all the places Garnacha is grown, it is known and loved. 

Grenache, Garnacha, Garnatxa, Cannonau, Lledoner and Vernatxa are just some of the names this variety goes by, depending on the area the grapes grow. It also comes in red, white, grey, hairy, and many other forms. This rich variety results in versatile and highly appreciated wines, especially centred around one region that is worth highlighting: the Terra Alta Denomination of Origin. In this region, the Garnacha variety reigns supreme and it is home to some of the best known and most highly prized wines in the world.

grenache Terra Alta Spain

The Terra Alta Denomination of Origin is located in the south of Catalonia, between the Ebro river and the border with Aragon, which is considered to be the birthplace of Garnacha in Spain. This Denomination of Origin has soils that are rich in limestone and poor in organic matter and a predominantly Mediterranean climate, but with a great continental influence because of the cold winters. One of the unique features of Terra Alta is the perfect balance between its two dominant winds: the Cierzo, which comes from the northwest, and the Garbinada, a warm wind from the south. 

In 2013, the Interprofessional Council of Roussillon wines created the Grenaches du Monde competition dedicated exclusively to this grape, the Garnacha, with the aim of promoting quality wines made with any Garnacha variety in the world to increase consumption and encourage customers to choose Garnacha wines with a label that reveals their quality. 

This competition has also helped promote the extraordinary quality of Garnacha wines from the DO Terra Alta, which have a strong representation year after year as well as occupying an impressive position in the medal table, at the same level as other great Garnacha producers like the Aragon region in Spain and the Roussillon region in France. 

If you have never tried the extraordinary Garnacha wines from the DO Terra Alta, then here is a small but representative selection of tasty and elegant wines with extraordinary value for money. These are wines worth trying, enjoying and sharing. What do you think? 

4 unmissable Terra Alta wines 

LaFou El Sender

senora carmen

Although it is not a single-variety Garnacha, this variety is the dominant grape in the coupage and is complemented by a small amount of the Syrah grape and the Morenillo variety, which is native to the area. LaFou El Sender is a fresh, round, tasty red wine and a clear example of what extraordinary value for money really means. Not to be missed! 

Señora Carmen

senora carmen

Vins del Tros is a young winery run by two childhood friends with a passion for wine. Since 2009, they have been working with the aim of promoting Terra Alta’s native varieties at their best. Señora Carmen is a red wine that they are delighted with. A single-variety, aged Garnacha Tinta that is always highly regarded and recently named the best red wine in Catalonia. Do you want to try it?  

Bàrbara Forés Abrisa’t

barbara fores

A vi brisat is a traditional Terra Alta production that involves making white wines through a process similar to red wines, where the must remains in contact with the grape skins. Wines made like this are currently known as orange wines. Bàrbara Forés has recovered this traditional method to produce the most elegant white wine using skin-contact maceration. Bàrbara Forés Abrisa’t is a surprising white wine: voluminous, fresh and well structured. A true gem! 

Herència Altés La Serra Blanc

herencia altes

Herència Altés is a young winery that was set up in 2010 with Núria Altés working to continue the family winemaking legacy, but creating a careful and elegant style, a style that is clear to see in each and every wine made here. The Herència Altés La Serra Blanc wine showcases the Garnacha Blanca variety in all its splendour and is only made in the best vintages. A long, complex white wine with a delicious concentration of white fruit. The elegance! 

This is just a small sample of the Garnacha wines from Terra Alta, a denomination of origin making wines you are sure to fall in love with, whether they are made with the Garnacha variety or not.

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