Terra Alta is the most southerly wine DO (Denominación de Origen) wine region in Catalonia, northern Spain. It lays on the border of the inland section of Tarragona. It also has the highest altitude, with the mountain peaks here reaching 3000ft (950m). The vineyards are located further down, in the foothills and on valley floors. Unsurprisingly then, its name, Terra Alta, means 'high land' in Catalan. The picturesque region has been captured in a number of paintings by the renowned artist Pablo Picasso, who spent some summers here. Terra Alta was awarded DO status in 1985 and has undergone a period of modernization since its promotion.
The Ancient Romans are thought to have introduced viticulture to the area, as their Roman road connecting Zaragoza to Tortosa passed through the region, bringing settlers. In medieval times, the Knights Templar also tended to vines in the area. Its isolated location led to many vines being pulled out in favor of olives. A particular style of oxidized wine, called amber blanc, from the region gained popularity in the 19th Century, but the phylloxera louse devastated Terra Alta at the end of the century, interrupting wine production for close to half a century. Until relatively recently, the region's wines were destined for local consumption, but nearby Priorat, to its east, has raised the area's profile and been a catalyst for change.
The climate is a mix of Mediterranean and continental, with long, hot summers and very cold winters, when the temperature falls as low as 23F (–5C). El Cierzo, a local dry wind which originates in the Ebro River valley to the west, plays a vital role in moderating temperatures during the growing season, as well as helping to prevent fungal diseases on the vines. The soils are clay and coastal limestone, with good drainage.
Terra Alta is best known for its smaller producers, although co-operatives have traditionally played a vital role. Modernist buildings for several co-operative wineries were designed in the early 20th Century by Catalan architect Cesar Martinell, who was a student of Antoni Gaudi. They include the famous El Pinell de Brai near the town of Gandesa.
The region produces a wide range of wines from grape varieties such as Garnacha Blanca, Parellada, Macabeo, Moscatel, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc for whites, and Garnacha, Carinena, Syrah, Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo), Merlot and Cabernet Franc for reds.
The local Consejo Regulador (wine authority) authorizes the production of blanco (white), rosado (rosé) and tinto (red) wines. Some winemakers are experimenting with cold fermentation to produce fruitier, fresher styles of wine. Some barrel-aged wines are also authorized, including Crianzas.
More-traditional wine styles such as oxidized rancio wines and sweet wines from over-ripened Garnacha grapes are also produced.
