Tasting Notes
The Terra de Cuques replaces the Torroja in the range going forward.
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. - Winery Note
Natural Wine. This term gets thrown around a lot these days, but what exactly does it mean?
Interestingly, in Australia there is no legal definition for Natural Wine, as of yet. France has recently adopted a set of rules to attempt to define it, but for Australian natural winemakers, it's still quite open.
So how do we define it? Essentially, the term "Natural Wine" refers to wine that has had no additions or subtractions throughout the winemaking process. Firstly, the fruit must be farmed either organically or biodynamically, with no synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers used. Nowadays many producers choose to use sustainable viticulture, regardless of whether they subscribe to the natural wine movement. It is important to note, however, that many natural producers may not be officially certified (even though they do follow organic or biodynamic practices).
Secondly, no additions of any kind can be added throughout the winemaking process. This includes yeasts, acids, tannins, sugars - basically anything that is not naturally present in the must. Fermentation must be spontaneous and carried out using the natural yeasts that are present on the grapes. Minute additions of sulphur dioxide (an organic compound) are generally accepted, however, as this helps to protect the wine as it goes in to bottle. Though there are many natural wine producers that don't add any sulphur at all.
Finally, natural wines cannot be fined or filtered at all. Filtration can strip flavour and structural compounds out of the wine, and leads to a more homogenised product. The use of fining agents has a similar effect. This lack of filtration means that natural wines can throw a light sediment in the bottle, or appear slightly cloudy. Rest assured, any sediment or haziness is completely harmless, and not an indication of a faulty wine.
Due to the minimal intervention of the winemaker, natural wines speak much more clearly of their terroir. The wonderful vinous character that comes through in these wines is exciting, vibrant and vital. Natural wines are loaded with character; they are living wines; wines that change and evolve with time.
| Product Type | Wine Red Grenache & Friends |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Priorat |
| Winemaking Practices | Natural |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |