Herència Altés 'La Pilosa' Garnatxa 2022

This wine showcases the native 'Garnatxa Peluda' (hairy Grenache) clone from Terra Alta, which develops completely different characteristics than the warmer-climate Australian Grenache most are familiar with. The Mediterranean continental climate and slate soils of Terra Alta produce a more mineral-driven, herbaceous expression with distinctive thyme and rosemary notes. While Australian Grenache tends towards jammy fruit and warmth, this Spanish version offers greater finesse and savoury complexity.

Terra Alta, meaning 'high land' in Catalan, sits at higher altitudes in Catalonia where Grenache has been cultivated for centuries using traditional methods. The region's unique terroir combines slate soils with a continental Mediterranean climate, creating ideal conditions for the native Garnatxa Peluda clone to express its full potential. This results in wines with exceptional mineral backbone and aromatic complexity that reflect the ancient winemaking heritage of the area.

Garnatxa Peluda translates to 'hairy Grenache' in Catalan, referring to the fuzzy underside of the grape leaves on this native Spanish clone. This particular clone produces smaller berries with thicker skins, resulting in wines with greater concentration and more complex tannin structure. The clone's adaptation to Terra Alta's specific conditions over generations contributes to the wine's distinctive herbal aromatics and mineral-driven character that sets it apart from international Grenache plantings.

Serve this wine slightly below room temperature (around 16-18°C) to highlight its aromatic complexity and prevent the alcohol from overwhelming the delicate herbal notes. Decanting for 30-60 minutes will help integrate the full-bodied structure and allow the distinctive thyme and rosemary aromatics to fully develop. The wine's savoury, textured profile makes it perfect for Mediterranean cuisine, grilled meats, or aged cheeses that complement its mineral-driven character.

The 95-point Decanter World Wine Awards score and inclusion in Miquel Hudin's Top 100 Wines of Spain 2023 highlight this as an exceptional example of modern Spanish winemaking. These accolades from respected international critics demonstrate that Herència Altés has successfully elevated a traditional regional variety to world-class standards. The organic certification adds another layer of quality assurance, showing the producer's commitment to sustainable practices that enhance terroir expression.