La Pilosa Garnatxa Peluda, Herència Altés Terra Alta 2021

Description

Núria Altés is a native of Batea, Terra Alta, and her family have been growers for generations. A proud Catalan, Núria is deeply immersed in the history of the region and will gladly recount the stories of her beloved land over a glass of Garnatxa Negra. She worked in local wineries before forming a partnership with her English husband, Rafael De Haan, to start Herència Altés, a project proudly carrying her family`s name in tribute to their work in the vineyards of Terra Alta over many generations.

Grenache - or the locally styled Garnatxa - is the calling card of this up-and-coming quality wine region, and the team at Herència Altés is working tirelessly to put both their beloved region and its flagship grape variety on the world map. The estate combines carefully maintained old vine Garnatxa vineyards and a state-of-the-art winery, every inch of which is designed to lower its impact on the environment, relying almost entirely on solar power and recycling rainfall for use throughout the facility. All of the vineyards are farmed according to organic practices, with all of their cuvees now certified organic. One of Núria`s favourite wines she makes is La Serra Negre, as it pays homage to her grandfather, someone who was very special in her life. Like the 100 year old vines the wine is made from, his life spanned many events and decades and his stories never failed to make her smile.

This is an exceptional new find. Garnacha Peluda (Hairy grenache) is a mutation of the Garnacha Negra, also known as Garnacha Gris and Lledoner Gris. It is native to Catalonia and is most often found in Aragon and Catalonia. It is also grown in the French Languedoc. The grapes are oval, with medium and compact clusters, with rather thick hairy skin. The wines that are obtained are of high quality. They have a lower alcohol content than the other varieties of Garanacha. Medium acidity, light on the palate and aromas of red fruits.

“Hairy” Garnatxa seems to be a shy variety at first, but its wilder side comes out as flavours and aromas open up. A bright, medium intense, claret colour. Aromas of raspberries and spices combine with a herbal touch. A very fresh and light first taste in the mouth soon leaves a spicy character bursting with black pepper pods and cloves towards the end. A refined and elegant palate with a lingering aftertaste.

Try with roasted rack of lamb with a mustard crust