Morenillo 'El desafio' Terra00 2023

The Morenillo 'El Desafio' from the Catalan estate Terra 00 represents a sincere and pure expression of the Terra Alta territory. Morenillo is a rare indigenous black grape variety from Terra Alta that has faced extinction, officially recognized only in 2018 and cultivated mainly in the villages of Gandesa and Villalba de los Arcos, where the bodega Terra 00 is located. The reasons behind its poor appreciation by local farmers are its irregular production and the pale coloration of the wines it produces, factors that over time have led to a preference for other grape varieties. However, Morenillo is capable of producing elegant wines, with exceptional balance between alcohol content and acidity, characterized by very soft tannins and rich fruity, balsamic, and spicy descriptors. For these characteristics, Morenillo has been compared to Pinot Nero.

'El Desafio' Morenillo Terra 00 is a 100% Morenillo grown according to the principles of organic farming, supplemented by biodynamic practices, on soils composed of mainly composed of clay, sand, and white silt. After the manual harvesting of the grapes, red winemaking follows in stainless steel tanks through spontaneous alcoholic fermentation with skin contact. Once the fermentation process is complete, the mass matures for 9 months in 1,500-liter steel tanks and is finally bottled without undergoing any clarification or filtration and without added sulfites.

The color of Morenillo 'El Desafio' from Terra 00 is bright cherry red. From the glass, hints of cherry and berries emerge, blending with spicy and mineral perceptions, as well as subtle balsamic notes. Full, juicy, and smooth sip, with a rustic and genuine profile, good freshness, and caressing tannins.