Terra Alta, the wine region with the highest concentration of Garnacha in the world, unfolds its splendor. Some 1,300 hectares of white Garnacha represent 90% of the surface in Catalonia and approximately one third of the global extension of this variety. In addition, the red varieties of Terra Alta make up almost half of the production of this Denomination of Origin, particularly the red Garnacha and the hairy Garnacha.
Terra Alta is located at the crossroads between the Ebro River and the border with Aragon. An agricultural region with a typically Mediterranean interior landscape, where pre-coastal mountain ranges, small rivers, gentle mountains, forests and traditional crops such as vines, olives and almonds intertwine.
We often overlook the fact that Terra Alta is the region with the largest extension of vineyards in Catalonia, covering more than 5,000 planted hectares. It is divided into three zones: the plain, the plateau and the valleys, which exhibit the complexity of seventeen types of soils.
The climate is harsh, with great exposure to the sun, cold winters, little precipitation, and the confrontation of two winds: the continental north wind and the offshore wind. A mosaic of vineyards extends across plains, alternating between valley bottoms, terraces and terraces. It is a paradise for Garnachas, both white and red, including Garnacha Peluda.
Precisely for this reason, Gourmet La Vanguardia has produced two selections that pay homage to both white and red Garnacha. Both selections are made up of 6 great wines from three great wineries (Roqueta Origen, Piñol and Terra Remota) that we will analyze below.
Selection of Whites from Terra Alta
These three varietal wines that we are going to show you are a great example of the versatility of the white Garnacha grape from Terra Alta.
We start with Massaluca Blanco 2022, from the Roqueta Origen winery. It is a young white wine (90% Garnacha Blanca and 10% Macabeo) aged for 2 months on its lees that reflects the essence of Terra Alta. With an exceptional vintage in 2022, this wine stands out for its freshness and vitality, as well as its rich aromatic expression.
It has a pale yellow color with greenish flashes and citrus and floral notes can be appreciated on the nose, with balsamic nuances of mint. On the palate, volume and a fruity character are perceived, with vibrant freshness and a long mineral finish. It is the perfect accompaniment to salads, rice dishes and seafood.
Nuestra Señora del Portal Blanco 2022, from the renowned Piñol winery, is a young white wine (90% Garnacha, 5% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Viognier) that captivates with its floral and fruity character, evoking tropical flavors. Its name refers to the Virgin of Batea, paying homage to the tradition and history of the region.
With a bright straw color with soft greenish tones, powerful aromas of tropical fruits, lychees, white fruits such as bananas and peach, and floral notes of white roses and scrubland herbs are perceived on the nose. On the palate, it stands out for its tasty and broad flavor, excellent acidity, with a delicate floral memory and a subtle and elegant finish. It is ideal for seafood, paellas, fish with mild sauces and pasta.
Adalta Blanco 2019, from the prestigious Terra Remota winery, is a young white wine aged on the lees in stainless steel tanks. Made exclusively with the Garnacha Blanca variety from old vineyards, it seeks to highlight the evolution and maturity of this strain, showing broad notes and evolutionary characteristics.
In the glass, a pale gold color with green reflections can be seen. On the nose, it displays a floral profile with aromas of chamomile and orange blossom, combined with fruity notes of melon and peach, and a delicate touch of hazelnut on the finish. On the palate, it is unctuous, with good acidity, medium persistence and vibrant elegance. It is perfect to pair with seafood dishes such as cuttlefish black rice, steamed mussels and grilled sardines, as well as with salads with fresh mozzarella or even desserts such as mel i mató.
Selection of red wines from Terra Alta
This selection of wines is part of the proposal for the Gourmet La Vanguardia Wine Club. In this case, red Garnacha forms part of the essence of each proposal. In addition, we could say that they are sister wines, since they share the last name with those of the white selection.
Massaluca Tinto 2021 (Roqueta Origen winery), is a red wine (85% Garnacha Tinta and 15% Cariñena) that reflects the authentic character of Terra Alta. Aged for 6 months in oak barrels, it presents itself as an elegant, deep and complex wine.
In the glass, a cherry color with garnet reflections is appreciated. On the nose, its intensity stands out, combining ripe fruit with the elegance of Garnacha, providing notes of vanilla, pastry, chocolate and the balsamic nuances of aging. On the palate, it is tasty, sweet, balanced and fresh. It is the ideal companion for semi-cured cheeses, grilled lamb, fricandó and risotto.
Mather Teresina 2019 (Celler Piñol winery) is a red wine (70% Garnacha tinta, 20% Cariñena and 10% morenillo) that comes from the selection of the best and oldest vineyard on their farms, paying tribute to its heiress. After 16 months in French oak barrels, this wine stands out for its intense garnet cherry color.
On the nose, a powerful aroma of smoked, mineral, balsamic tones and creamy oak notes is perceived, together with candied notes and very ripe black fruits. On the palate, it is powerful, deep, round, fleshy and with sweet tannins. Notes of licorice, excellent acidity and a long aftertaste are distinguished. It is perfect to pair with legumes, red meat, game and rice dishes.
Red Adalta 2019 (Terra Remota), is a red wine aged on the lees in stainless steel tanks. Made exclusively with the Garnacha Tinta variety, it is presented in a ruby red color with purple and violet reflections.
On the nose, fruity aromas are perceived, especially red and black wild berries, which are complemented by spicy hints of cinnamon and cardamom. On the palate, it is silky, with good acidity and ripe and integrated tannins. The aftertaste brings notes of black olives and bay leaves. It is a versatile wine that pairs ideally with ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta, smoked pork ribs and spoon dishes such as lentils with chorizo and black pudding.
These six wines make up two exclusive packs that invite wine lovers to discover the flavors of Garnacha from Terra Alta. To purchase any of them, you can visit the website www.gourmetlavanguardia.com or call 935 500 105.
