N/E Spain - Catalunya - Terra Alta

Answer 1

Southwest of Tarragona, rolling hills inland & around Gandesa. Up to 900m

Base of limestone & clay with good drainage

Mixture of Mediterranean & continental w 400mm rainfall. Dry wind El Cierzo keeps moisture level down.

Answer 2

Reds

1. Garnacha
2. Strong wood canopy & resistance to wind make it suited for dry, warm & windy climates. Naturally high yielding.
3. Buds early and requires a long growing season to fully ripen (often the last grape after Cab Sauv to be picked)
4. The wines are light in colour, hi in alcohol, low in tannins w relatively light flavours of raspberries, strawberries
5. Carinena
6. Hi yielding; late budding & ripening (-> warm climate)
7. Thick stalk that makes mechanical harvesting difficult
8. Deep colour, hi acidity, hi tannins w red fruits flavours (cherry, raspberry) and blackberry

Others: Syrah, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Answer 3

Whites

1. Macabeo

• Originally from France
• Floral fresh fruit character with good acidity when

grown in low yields

2. Garnacha Blanca
   - Used in small amounts to add weight and body to Viura-based wines

Others: Paralleda, Moscatel, Chardonnay

Answer 4

8,000ha - DO since 1982

• Broad range of wine styles from Joven to Mistelas and Generosos.
• Around 40 wineries. Mainly for domestic market. Vinos Pinol and Natural Wine pioneer Laureano Serres make refined Garnacha and Carinena