Terra Remota (Catalonia, Capmany)
DO Emporda
When I first made the turn into the driveway at Terra Remota I almost immediately turned around and continued on my way. Staring at me was an Architectural Digest winery, very sleek and modern. This usually doesn't add up well for me, especially when many of the wineries I visit are situated in machine sheds or in the cellar under the winemaker's house.
But the little devil on my other shoulder convinced me to plod along. And I'm glad I did because this day was among the top 2 or 3 highlights of my recent buying trip.
Terra Remota is a relatively new operation, begun in 1999 by Marc and Emma Bournazeau, a warm and welcoming French couple from just across the border in the Roussillon.They discovered the land, with absolutely nothing on it, about 20 years ago and over the subsequent two decades have turned it into the gem of the Costa Brava. There was no expense spared, and the results are just astonishing.
The vineyards sit on a unique geography for the region, pure Granite. Most of the soil types in this part of Spain are clay and sand, but not here. And as such, their wines, especially when compared to their neighbors', feature unusual complexity, minerality, and structure.
I toured the vineyards and winery for almost two hours, all the while thinking to myself, "self, are these wines going to suck or will they really truly reflect all the capital that has gone into this place?" And, more importantly, will they be worth it?
Um, well, yes. The wines were magnificent. And, uh, yes. They're worth it.
Here is a focus on the Terra Remota red wines:
Camino 2020--Many of you know this wine well from past vintages. It is among our most popular bottles. Camino is a gorgeous, silky, refined red blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with fine dusty tannins. Good to drink now, but will age beautifully for up to 10 more years. I love this unique combo that feels a little bit Rhone, a little bit Bordeaux, and a whole lot of Spain
Adalta 2019-- is a new project from Marc and Emma in the DO Terra Alta. A pure Grenache, farmed organically, and leaping from the glass with aromas plums, figs, and fresh mint. I was really taken as well by the almost chocolate-y texture in this one. A great introduction to a new line from Terra Remota and especially interesting now after a few years resting in the bottle.
Ales Negres 2021--Ales Negres is the "press juice" of every red grape the winery brings in during any given harvest. There's a little bit of everything here--Garnatxa, Cabernet, Syrah, Tempranillo. We often find that wines like this can be a great way to judge a winery. Sort of like the idea of soup. Start with great ingredients and the fnished stock pot can be pretty darn great. Drink now, while youthful.