Terroir Històric | PRIORAT

Blanc 2022

Unlike the site specific wines of Terroir al Límit, Terroir Històric is devoted to expressing the complex character of the whole of Priorat in two colors: white and red. While the project launched in 2015 is a remarkable incubator for new plantings from the clay and schist soils of Montsant, it is also a liquid homage, utilizing the négocient tradition of the past to secure a sustainable future. Terroir Històric encourages young farmers to not only return to family vineyards in the region’s 9 villages in and around Torroja, but also transition these family vines to organic farming. Històric Blanc is a blend of Priorat’s traditional white varieties: Grenache Blanc (75 %) and Macabeu (25 %). 

Harnessing the simple, honest power of great fruit means a truly hands off approach in the cellar: hand harvest, whole cluster naturally ferment, and transfer to inox tank for six months. No extraction, no oak. Traditional Mediterranean aromas of citrus peel and orange blossom, savory mountain herbs and aromatic sage. Bright, juicy flavors with a searing vein of acidity pulsing through to the long creamy finish. Wine at both its most basic, and most beautiful. Priorat unplugged.   
Location 9 villages of Priorat Històric: Bellmunt, Gratallops, El Lloar, Escaladei, Poboleda, Porrera, Torroja, Vilella Alta, Vilella Baixa
Age 35 - 50 years old
Altitude 350 - 800 metres
Varieties 75% White Grenache, 25% Macabeu
Soils
Slate, Clay, Granite, Alluvial
Alcohol 13 %
Location 9 villages of Priorat Històric: Bellmunt, Gratallops, El Lloar, Escaladei, Poboleda, Porrera, Torroja, Vilella Alta, Vilella Baixa
Age 35 - 50 years old
Altitude 350 - 800 metres
Varieties 75% White Grenache, 25% Macabeu
Soils
Slate, Clay, Granite, Alluvial
Alcohol 13 %
  • ELEVAGE
  • REVIEW
Cement was the only possible choice for the philosophy of the project. Terroir Històric White reposes for 6 months in cement vats. The end result is a new interpretation of the Priorat terroir without the loss of its roots.
Reviewed by Luis Gutiérrez | The Wine Advocat

The 2016 Terroir Históric Blanc is a blend of 75% Garnacha Blanca and 25% Macabeo aged in concrete vats for some six months. They use organically grown grapes that come from their own vineyards and from other growers. It has light skin contact, as it’s the traditional “brisat” style, which gives the wine structuring tannins and some herbaceous and spicy notes (they even use stems) that go very well with food and results in slightly lower alcohol.

The 2016 vintage is fresher than the initial 2015, which is when they started this project with the idea to deliver affordable wines that have a traditional profile, wines from the Mediterranean but being careful with alcohol. This has 13% alcohol, which is the minimum allowed by the appellation of origin. It’s tasty and soft, a tad fresher than the 2015. 6,000 bottles were filled in March 2017.