Terroir Al Limit - Priorat Terra de Cuques Rouge 2021

Terroir al Limit is the flagship range, deeply inspired by the very old winemaking traditions of Burgundy. Dominik has fully embraced a biodynamic approach to viticulture, coupled with a gentle, non-intrusive winemaking style that favors whole-bunch fermentation, and concrete or amphora aging as an alternative to oak. Carefully selected plots of Garnacha and Carignan (Carinyena) are individually expressed through a collection of site-specific wines with a timeless elegance that has become the hallmark of their style.

Terroir is more than the sum of its altitude, soil and fruit. It is also a prism for focusing skill and intent. As a beautiful blend of local varieties, Terra de Cuques Negre captures the complex soul of Torroja terroir. Llicorella-grown Carignan establishes the structure, backbone and acidity while clay-born Grenache lends the elegant expression of red fruit. The organically farmed vines range from 25 - 40 years old and grow at 300 - 350 meters in elevation. The fruit is hand harvested, whole cluster fermented and then more or less left alone before being transferred to foudres and cement for 14 months of aging.

True to its origins and signature, Terra de Cuques charms with its warm and supple nature. Rich black and red fruits reminisce about its many hours of copious sunshine. Yet, a cooling wind threads through the wine as well, as both a fine, persistent acidity and fresh herbal essence. Wonderfully juicy, balanced and expressive, a wine without pretensions, simply telling the liquid story of a place and a people and a time.

Since 2021, Dominik Huber has worked exclusively with concrete and a little stainless steel, and he sold all the oak he had in the cellar.

"The 2021 Terra de Cuques is a 50-50 blend of Garnatxa and Cariñena from Priorat. Garnet in color, it features aromas of blood orange and grapefruit, with pomegranate, curry and spice hints over an herbal bouquet. Dry, lean and chalky on the palate, it offers a nimble yet concentrated mouthfeel that contrasts with the wine’s intensity. This is a modern take on Priorat reds, crafted in a distinctive style." - 94 Points, Vinous

"There is a lot of precision, clarity and focus in the mineral 2021 Terra de Cuques, which has moderate ripeness and a fresher sensation than in the 2019, despite having the same alcohol (13.5%). 2019 could be the modern version of the 2016, with finesse and elegance. This is the first vintage completely without any oak, an important change for them. It opens up nicely with time in the glass, developing a fresh herbal note." - 93 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Producer: Terroir Al Limit

Country: Spain

Region: Catalonia

Varietal: Garnacha, Carinyena

Appellation: Priorat

Vintage: 2021

Size: 750ml