Herència Altés shines in Tim Atkin MW's Catalan Report 2025✨

As part of the Barcelona Wine Week, wine educator and critic Fintan Kerr, along with his colleague MW Tim Atkin, presented their Catalan Wines 2025 report.

In it, they highlight that: "Terra Alta is the best hunting ground for new discoveries in Catalan wine. With numerous co-operatives in the towns and villages, there's a huge amount of good wine flowing here, well underneath the radar. The region is disconnected from any major city and even local, Catalan tourism is sporadic here, despite it being home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region. 

From a wine perspective, Terra Alta has all the markings of The next big thing – old vines, cheap land and an unrealized potential. A few notable wineries exist, but it's the raw material that's exciting here; the natural altitude, the mosaic of soils, the clonal variation and the number of under-appreciated vineyards."

Herència Altés is one of the standout wineries of the DO Terra Alta and is featured on the list of the best wineries in Catalonia according to the report.

The British critic also makes special mention of the climate challenges the region is currently facing: "Terra Alta is severely affected by persistent drought, making water management strategies increasingly necessary." He also emphasizes the role of Garnacha Blanca as the region’s flagship variety, producing high-quality wines with excellent aging potential.

Below, we present the tasting notes and scores awarded to some of our wines:

Waxy, floral and still so remarkably fresh, with the oak now perfectly integrated. Wines like this make you realise why ageing is so important for the most concentrated of white wines.

A little bit special. 2016-2028

✨Wine of the year

Herència Altés LA SERRA BLANC 2021 

95 pts

Full on, intense and waxy - this is one of the very best Garnacha Blancas out there, year on year. Mouth-coating and full of flavour but not heavy or ponderous owing to the gorgeous acidity. 

Tense. Lovely! 2024-2036

✨Wine of the year

Herència Altés LA SERRA NEGRE 2022 

95 pts

A soulful wine. Ripe, deep and fluid; the Carinyena fruit just gushes forth, with plums, damson and blackberry fruit mingled with violets, rose petals and iodine. 

Fantastic stuff. 2024-2044

✨Wine of the year

Herència Altés LA XALAMERA 2023 

95 pts

Perhaps my favourite of the Herència Altés line-up; transparent Garnacha with a wild side to it. Firm, spicy, herbal and so very persistent. 

A really beautiful expression of both Garnacha and Terra Alta. 2024-2034

✨Wine of the year

Herència Altés LA BORRASSONA 2022 

94 pts

Another stunning Garnacha and huge value for money; bright raspberry and strawberry fruits, violets, fresh herbs and chalk. Firm, fresh and floral. 

This is just so inviting. 2024-2032

Herència Altés TREMENTINAIRE 2021 

94 pts

Orange marmalade, dried apricots, pressed flowers and vanilla on the nose; fantastic aromatics and quite serious on the palate, with a layer of chalky tannin. 

Really impressive. 2024-2032

Herència Altés BENUFET 2023  

93 pts

Huge value for money here, with this lifted, bright example of Garnacha Blanca. Herbal and clean, with notes of sweet tarragon, lemon, ripe pear and white peach. Mouth-watering and moreish – a lot of wine for the money! 2024-2030

Herència Altés LA TARENTINA 2023  

93 pts

A serious rosado wine made from Garnacha Peluda and, endearingly, showing great varietal character. Earthy, funk and powdery – full of earthy red fruits, dried herbs and a touch of apple skin. 2024-2030

Herència Altés LA TARENTINA 2024  

93 pts

Floral, fresh and wrapped around a strong core of stone fruit. This is exceptionally well balanced, with great concentration of fruit. A big step up vs your average rosado. 2024-2028

Herència Altés LA PILOSA 2022

93 pts

So very Garnacha Peluda! Earthy red fruits, smoke, dried herbs and orange peel on the nose; chalky and firm, with a great line of acidity to keep it lively on the palate. 2024-2034

Herència Altés L'ESTEL 2023

92 pts

There's only around 35% of Syrah in this but the wine feels almost varietal! Ripe plums and blackberries, black olive, pepper and warm earth. Spicy, soft and so easy to drink. 2024-2032

Herència Altés LA MUSARANYA 2023

92 pts

Broad, waxy and quietly persistent; all lemon curd, ripe orchard fruits and fresh pastry dough. Classic and with that endearing touch of gentle bitterness on the finish. 2024-2030

Herència Altés CUPATGE 2023 

92 pts

A very complete blend, with a nice dose of Syrah to round out the Garnacha, and 10% Carinyena for extra acidity and verve. Chalky, fresh and juicy! 2024-2030

Herència Altés LO GRAU DE L'INQUISIDOR 2021  

91 pts

Ripe, powerful Syrah. Ripe and slightly dried dark fruits mingle with black pepper, black olive and a touch of dried herbs. 2024-2032

Herència Altés GARNATXA BLANCA 2023

91 pts

Direct and straight forward, but very well made. Ripe, juicy pears, chamomile and a softly waxy texture. 2024-2028