2022 Terroir al Limit Vi de Terra de Cuques, Priorat

Terra de Cuques – which translates as ‘place of the fireflies’ – takes its name from the fireflies that light up the landscape in this area at night. Fireflies are extremely sensitive to chemical contamination and, like ladybirds, their presence tends to indicate a healthy vineyard environment. 

This is a Vi de Terra Viva—the equivalent of a village wine. From 2022, the Terra de Cuques white is a blend of Grenache Blanc (60%) and Pedro Ximenez (40%), from 25-plus-year-old vines on slate/clay in La Morera del Montsant. The vineyards face northeast and are 400 to 600 metres above sea level. The aspect means the vines are sheltered from the sun’s harshest rays, while the altitude results in cool nights that lock in refreshing acidity. The bush vines also play a role in maximising coolness and freshness.

As with all the whites here, this is evolving to be a more precise and focused style, while the inclusion of Grenache Blanc further contributes precision and freshness. The grapes are hand-harvested, fermented as whole bunches for five days in stainless steel and cement tanks, and then aged for six months in cement.
It’s a wonderfully unique expression of high-country Priorat, with mouth-coating texture and beautifully entwined, energising mineral grip.