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Designation of Origin
It was provisionally born in 1972 and ten years later, in 1982, the Generalitat de Catalunya approved it and provided it with a Regulatory Board. Nowadays it covers a total surface of 8,821 Ha and 44 cellars are covered by the D.O.
Protected grape varieties are; on one hand, white wines : Garnacha, Macabeo, Perellada, Chardonnay and Moscatell de Alejandría. On the other hand, red wines: Garnacha, Cariñena, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
 Wine
Although production includes white, red and rosé wines, 53% of the production are white wines. Also generous wines are produced. White wines: a high alcohol content characterizes these white wines (up to 16%), some of them being young, fresh and balanced, while others are very complex and structured, and they have been obtained by barrel fermentation. Usually their acidity is low, their aroma is very fruity and their colour, quite peculiar.
Rosé wines: They have a strong fruity character and a characteristic cherry flavour. Red wines: Remarkable are on the one hand, the young, fruity wines; and on the other hand, wines matured in oak barrel, where variety Garnacha Fina provides personality to the wine. Their alcoholic content is lower than in white wines (around 12%); they are hearty, full-bodied and of intense coulour and fruity aroma.
Generous wines: made as Mistelas and Moscatel. The special characteristics of the soil and the climate render the region of Terra Alta an ideal place to make rancio wines, usually aged in oak barrel or in the open air (traditional oxidation method).
 Geographical situation
To the West of Tarragona Province, between Ebro River and the border with Teruel, there is a surface of around 8,000 ha of vineyard protected by the Designation of Origin Terra Alta. The climate is Mediterranean, with some Continental features. Temperatures range from -3ºC and 38ºC and annual rainfall is usually around 500mm.
In Terra Alta, Terrace Culture is very common in strong, deep soils, not too permeable.
Vines are pruned very short so as to obtain a creeping habit and make the most of the land humidity.
 Ageing
For red wines undergoing vintage ageing (combining wood and bottle), ageing will last at least 14 months, 3 of which in oak containers with a maximum capacity of 1,000 l.
Rancio wines made from white garnacha will be aged for at least five years in oak container in the case of dry wines; and only two years in oak container in the case of sweet wines. In both cases, traditional practices are implemented for the wines to gain the characteristics of each and every type.
Vintage Rating
Excel.lents: 1996 | 1998 | 2000 | 2001 | 2009
Molt bones: 1995 | 1997 | 1999 | 2003 | 2004 | 2006 | 2007 | 2010
Bones: 2002 | 2005 | 2008
Website: www.doterraalta.com
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