La Serra Blanc Organic 2018 – Herència Altés.
We have talked about Spain’s Terra Alta region before, but probably not as much as we should! Today we are shining a light again on this divers Catalan region, by reviewing one of the D.O.’s key grape varieties, Garnatxa Blanca. This one is produced by a winery that is no stranger to us, as we have reviewed an orange wine produced by them before (“Trementinaire”). This organic “La Serra Blanc” is produced by Herència Altés.
About the Region and Grape
The Terra Alta region is part of the wider and very divers region of Catalunya. From the more Mediterranean influences on the cost to a more continental climate further inland. The Terra Alta D.O. is the most southerly and highest region of Catalunya. The vines for La Serra Blanc are planted between 425-450 m above sea level. Winters are cold with average temperatures between 5ºC and 7ºC, and summers, very hot. Daytime temperatures can reach as high as 38ºC in the summer, although they usually fall below 20ºC at night.
Garnatxa Blanca, is the star variety of the region. Since this is a drought resistant variety it suits perfect to the region’s dry climate. As annual rainfall is low with only 400 mm on average. And even though summer days are very hot, the drop in temperature at night makes sure the grapes still have enough freshness and acidity, while the ripe flavors can fully develop at daytime.
About the Winery
Núria Altés was born in Terra Alta, where her parents and grandparents passed on the love for the land and rituals onto her. It was no wonder that she started her own wine journey together with her partner Rafael de Haan. Their work is devoted to make vibrant and elegant wines with respect for the environment. Their practices are devoted to organic viticulture and sustainable winemaking with a clear focus on expressing the unique terroir of Terra Alta.
About the Wine
The grapes for this bright lemon gold wine are harvested by hand, with a very delicate selection in the field. The grapes are directly cooled after picking at 3-5ºC for about 24 hours to maintain the fruity character. This wine shows an impressive bouquet of ripe stone fruits and orange zest. The soft creamy mouthfeel is a result of practicing bâttonages of the fine lees for 3 months. Although the wine is quite ripe on the nose, it’s surprisingly refreshing and mineral on the palate, which is clearly pointing towards the limestone terroir. Before bottling the wine is aged for 17 months in an Austrian oak foudre of 2500L which noticeably ads some extra complexity and spice to the wine.
Conclusion:
This wine is perfect to enjoy now, and trust us, you will enjoy it! Make sure you get your hands on one of these bottles with a limited production of 3,400 per harvest. This wine is showing what this region is all about, now, and in the future. We award this wine with an excellent 93/100 DWA score.
This wine is imported in the Netherlands by Vinites, and available through associated retailers and restaurants. This review is written by our own Marylka van de Water.
If you would like to learn more about Herència Altés take a look at the extensive profile we have written, this includes reviews of four more wines and the complete background behind the winery. You can find it here.
We have also reviewed the following wine from Herència Altés, learn more about it by clicking on the link:
Price: € 33,35
Taste date: January 2023
Score: 93/100 DWA Score
Website: Herència Altés