Terroir – Altavins Viticultors – Vins DO Terra Alta

The land, the vineyard and the climate

The The D.O. Terra Alta has a spectacular landscape that is typical of the interior Mediterranean. The soil contains varied textures that are rich in calcareous rocks, which provide excellent drainage, and poor in organic matter.

The surrounding land is teeming with vines and sits between 350 and 550 metres above sea level flowing in flat plateaus, hills and valleys. It is characterised by a dry Mediterranean climate with low rainfall, between 350 and 450 mm/year, abundant sunshine and two dominant winds; El Cerç, which comes from the interior and El Garbí or sea wind, which comes from the coast.

Our style of operation gives rise to a particular style of viticulture. One that is both respectful towards the environment and allows for the production of grapes that show their own identity. The D.O. Terra Alta is a privileged area in regards to obtaining healthy, mature fruit with strong character.

The dry climate helps to greatly decrease the incidence of fungal diseases and allows the development of a more sustainable viticulture. El Cerç, which continues blowing throughout September, provides the perfect conditions for a natural maturation of the grapes on the vine. Furthermore, the great differences in temperature between day and night during the ripening period assist us in extracting the best and most profound aromas and tastes from these varietals.