Terra Alta
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- Vineyard altitude between 350–550 m; soils covering 8 USDA profiles, rich in calcium carbonate and low in organic matter.
- Three site types defined by slope: hillside (≥10%), flat (<10%), and terraced; the local 'Panal' profile is well-balanced and lower in limestone.
- Dry Mediterranean climate with a mean temperature of 14.6 °C and rainfall of 485–592 mm; cold winters of marked continental character.
Product characteristics
- White wines: saline flavour and lingering finish linked to calcareous soils; aromatic concentration enhanced by skin maceration, a legacy of the 'brisats' tradition.
- High acquired alcohol and ageing rarely exceeding 5 years, except in very good or excellent vintages.
Terroir / wine link
- Limestone soils impart a saline flavour and persistence on the palate to the white wines, while Garnacha Blanca and skin maceration amplify their aromatic expression.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the the specification.
Sources
- eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-ES-A1556
- Official trade body site — DO Terra Alta