The estate was founded 25 years ago in Vilella Alta in Priorat by two Belgian families with a common desire to restore the ancient Garnatxa and Carinyena vineyards of the region, cultivate new vines and make wines that give vivid expression to the distinction of the Priorat terroir.
Unlike other towns in the Priorat designation of origin, Mas Alta’s vineyards are located in an isolated area, at the foot of the Montsant mountain range, in a place with little exposure to the Garbinada, a wind from the sea. However the vines must endure a particularly dry Mediterranean climate, with an annual average of around 300 mm per year, divided between the months of October to April, with hot and very dry summers. Their resilience shines through in the resulting wines, full of character, complexity and elegance.
The vineyards are worked and harvested manually thus ensuring minimal intervention. “We are proud of our commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment. We implement ecological practices in our vineyards and winery, ensuring that each glass of Mas Alta wine not only delights the palate, but also embraces responsibility towards our planet.” Bodegas Mas Alta
Luis Gutiérrez – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: ”The red 2018 Artigas feels a bit creamier, with the oak more noticeable than in the 2017, but the overall balance, integration and mouthfeel is better, especially the texture, with finer-grained tannins and a supple finish. I still notice the new or new-ish oak used for the aging of the Cabernet and Cariñena, which each represent some 10% of the blend. The Garnacha matured in third-use barrels, and the élevage lasted 16 months. 25,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2020.” 92 Points (2018)
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: ”The floral and perfumed 2020 Artigas is elegant and fresh, balanced and with abundant, fine-grained tannins and with much more freshness and elegance than the 2019 I also tasted next to it. The wine is young and the oak is still there, but it’s neatly folded into the fruit.” 92+ Points (2021)