The Terra Alta wine making region expects to collect about 36 million kilos of grapes

Gandesa (ACN).- Since August 17^th, seven wineries that are part of the Terra Alta protected geographical indication (PGI) have begun the harvest of white varieties in the municipalities of Corbera d'Ebre, Batea, Bot, El Pinell de Brai, Gandesa and Vilalba dels Arcs. The Secretary of the Regulatory Council of the Terra Alta PGI, Jaume Martí, said that they expect a harvest of about 36 million kilos of grapes a figure that is lower than last years’ average of 38 million kilos. Martí explained that during the first weeks of September the harvest will be extended to the rest of the region. The productive potential of the protected geographical indication of Terra Alta is estimated at 5,500 hectares, also the lowest recorded.

Despite the decline in the volume of hectares, mainly for the end of the vineyard and the abandonment of activity, Jaume Martí said the area has begun a major modernisation and rejuvenation process in the production and collection of vines.

The Secretary recalled that weather conditions in the protected indication this summer, of high humidity, less warmth in July and very little rain overall, play a key role in determining the quality of the grapes.

Likewise, the Regulatory Council of Terra Alta, said that this year’s harvest is the second year that Terra Alta - Garnatxa Blanca quality label is in place. According to Martí, this is the standard for high quality white wines made exclusively with white Grenache. 90% of the production of white Grenache from all over Catalonia occurs in Terra Alta.

If weather allows, during the first week of September the initial collection of the first red grapes could begin.