Edition 2018

An itinerant event, for the next edition, Grenaches du Monde will be hosted by the wine growing region of Terra Alta in Catalonia. Catalonia will become the capital of Grenache in April 2018 for the sixth edition of the competition.

The Terra Alta appellation of origin :

the soul of Grenache blanc

The southernmost wine growing region in Catalonia is located between the Ebro River and the Matarranya lands in Aragon. This is an ancient border zone where the Templars were already growing wines from as early as the 13^th century.

The Garvinada and Cerç winds blow over these limestone mountains where holm oak, pine plantations, almond trees, vines and olive groves lie side by side. This essentially Mediterranean region is often compared to Italy’s Tuscany.

Temporarily recognised as an appellation of origin since 1972, Terra Alta is one of seven Catalan historic appellations of origin. Its geographical location endows its protected lands with scenic beauty, and UNESCO has recognised Terres de l'Ebre as a biosphere reserve. This is a special area for producing healthy, fully-developed grapes with character, while environmentally-friendly wine growing practices are followed.

Terra Alta is undeniably a spectacular region: Mediterranean hinterland where vines can be found growing at an altitude of 500 metres. The Mediterranean character of the terroir forms the character of the wines that stand apart through their finesse, robustness and their character: a Terra Alta wine can be traced to limestone lands, it develops under the Mediterranean sun and is crafted with the utmost care.

Passion, humility and a scrupulous work ethic are characteristics that define the producers of the Terra Alta appellation. 1,255 wine growers in total farm almost 5,800 hectares of vineyards which form a mosaic of varied grape varieties such as Macabeo, Parellada and Carignan. But Terra Alta's emblematic grape variety is undeniably Grenache. Whether white, black or “pelut”, Grenache is the variety that most eloquently expresses the full splendour of these Mediterranean lands exuding flavours, character, personality and subtle nuances.

As early on as in the 17^th century, testimony tells of a Father Onofre Català grape crop called "Vernatxa". Nowadays, Terra Alta alone accounts for a third of the world's planted Grenache white, equating to 75% of Spanish production, and 90% of Catalan production for this grape variety ! It is not surprising that Terra Alta is one of the few regions in the world able to offer a wide range of wines of this varietal that can proudly bear the exclusive label guaranteeing excellence : Terra Alta Garnatxa Blanca.

TERRA ALTA - CATALONIA

The Terra Alta appellation of origin :

Competition location