Herencia Altes is an ambitious wine project in the southern tip of Catalonia. This wine region boasts a rich winemaking history, with some 100-year-old Garnatxa grapes found here. Convinced of this grape's potential, Nuria Altes decided to harvest and vinify it herself. With the help of French oenologist Claude Gros, she created a beautifully concentrated, complex wine.
The vineyards are cultivated on clay and limestone soils, poor in organic matter. The climate in this area is Mediterranean with a continental influence, characterized by very cold winters and hot, dry summers. Two dominant winds have a significant impact on the quality of the grapes. These are the Cerc, a colder northwesterly wind, which ensures the grapes retain their natural acidity. And the Garvi, a mild sea breeze that ensures the grapes ripen well. These winds also prevent disease and rot in the bunches.
All grapes are harvested by hand. Whole clusters are sent directly to the press to minimize contact with the skins. Only the first fraction of the must from the soft press is used, resulting in a yield of 35-40 percent grape must to must. The must is separated from the oxidized components, and fermentation begins. After fermentation, the wine is aged on its fine lees for three months.
This Garnatxa Blanca is a young, fruity wine. It is highly aromatic with notes of melon and white fruit on the nose. On the palate, it is balanced with a medium body and a lovely crisp freshness. It pairs well with simple tapas and grilled squid. Herencia Altés Garnatxa Blanca is an excellent value.
