Terroir Al Limit Soc. Lda Terra de Cuques Priorat 2018

In less than two decades, Terroir al Límit has forever changed the game of Priorat winemaking. Taking a Burgundian approach to old vine, high-elevation grapes – these wines pulse with “terroir” and elect for layered complexity over sheer brute strength. With 95 POINTS here, and a long string of fantastic scores across the portfolio...the world is taking notice.

Dominik Huber has created something truly magical in the high-altitude, barren landscape of Torroja del Priorat. Starting as a project with Eben Sadie, who makes some of the very best South African wines under his Sadie Family label, Dominik has turned out a portfolio of fantastic wines that would make any estate in the world envious. In 2021 alone, Terroir al Límit released 5 distinct wines that all received 95+ point scores from Wine Advocate! He’s a phenom who is changing the game in Priorat, one of Spain’s most historic and long-standing regions. His focus on Carignan and Garnacha without French grapes like Syrah or Cabernet is rare for the region, but he has harnessed the complexity and power of these rugged sites to create singular wines that just simply must be tasted to be believed. All at the lowest price in the U.S.A to boot!

“The goal at Terroir al Límit is to produce wines of infusion rather than extraction, thereby emphasizing elegance, rather than the typical heaviness of Priorat wines.”

Terroir al Límit is the estate’s flagship range, inspired by the old winemaking traditions of Burgundy. Dominik has also embraced a biodynamic approach to viticulture, along with non-intrusive winemaking techniques ranging from whole-cluster fermentation to concrete or amphora aging as an alternative to oak. For this “Terra de Cuques” blend, Carignan grown in the region’s llicorella soils lends structure and acidity while clay-born Garnacha gives an elegant, red fruit note. The wine starts a bit closed, so decanting and vigorous swirling are recommended.

After a few minutes, this balanced and fresh wine showcases aromas of roasted herbs, pencil shavings, and high-toned lavender and spicy plumeria, complemented with flavors of ripe summer strawberries, black plums, currants, and crushed raspberries. The finish is vivid – long and mineral, with notes of licorice to aptly cut through the robust juiciness of the mid-palate. While lighter than many of the imposing Priorats abundant today, this is still a full-bodied and powerful wine – yet one that seems brighter, softer, and more intricately layered than the majority of its peers.

This is an impressive showing from a fantastic producer that is making a push to become one of the top houses anywhere in Spain. Do not miss this!

FOOD PAIRINGS: Something hearty is on order with a bright, exuberant wine such as this – let’s opt for creamy chicken croquetas with ham and gruyere cheese folded inside, with a side of crispy roasted brussels sprouts with chorizo, goat cheese, and shaved almonds.