This is a new celler owned by British interests who have slowly been buying vineyards with old vines of native grapes. The aim of the celler is to produce low volume hand made wines that capture the best of Terra Alta, a region of much potential that has for too long been dominated by uninteresting cooperatives.
Winemaking is under the supervision of Andrew Halliwell, who has made wine on 5 continents and brings a wealth of experience to the team. The 2016 wines are their first release.
The grapes come from 30 year old vines grown at 420m overlook- ing Vall Major in Batea and from 25-35 year old vines grown at 410m at Mas de Cabrera in Gandesa. Both areas are dominated by poor limestone soils. The Gandesa grapes were picked earliest on the 7th September, with the Batea grapes a few days later, giving a nice range of freshness and ripeness between the two sites.
"The wine shows a gentle banana, pear-drop and citrus nose with a creamy palate, a mineral core and long clean finish." Celler Alimara