Herència Altés Garnatxa Negra 2022

Terra Alta, literally meaning 'high lands', combines three crucial elements that create exceptional Grenache: high altitude vineyards that provide natural cooling and extended ripening periods, organic farming practices that enhance soil health and vine expression, and the consistent Mediterranean climate that ensures reliable fruit development. This unique terroir allows the grapes to develop complexity while maintaining the natural acidity that makes Grenache so food-friendly.

This Grenache sits on the darker, more structured side of the varietal spectrum, with well-integrated tannins that need time to open up and soften. Decanting for an hour allows the wine to breathe, helping the tannins become more approachable while enhancing the mineral, raspberry and redcurrant flavours. The aeration process also helps balance the wine's natural power with its fresh acidity, creating a more harmonious drinking experience.

The blend of old and young Grenache vines creates a beautiful complexity that neither could achieve alone. Older vines contribute depth, concentration and mineral complexity due to their deep root systems and naturally lower yields, while younger vines add vibrant fruit expression and fresh acidity. This combination, carefully timed at harvest to balance fruit ripeness with natural acidity, results in a wine that showcases both power and elegance.

Given that 90% of European wines are consumed with food, this Grenache's power and freshness make it incredibly versatile at the dinner table. The mineral backbone and raspberry-redcurrant fruit profile pair beautifully with grilled meats, Mediterranean herb-crusted lamb, or aged cheeses. The wine's structure and organic purity also complement vegetarian dishes like roasted vegetables with rosemary or mushroom-based pasta dishes.

Organic certification ensures the grapes were grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, allowing the Terra Alta terroir to express itself more purely in the final wine. Vegan certification means no animal-derived fining agents were used during winemaking, often resulting in wines with more natural texture and mouthfeel. These practices, combined with the high-altitude growing conditions, contribute to the wine's authentic expression of place and the clean, mineral-driven character that defines quality Grenache.