Skin-macerated white wine has been made here and there before today’s trend of orange wines started. One such wine district in Spain is Terra Alta in Catalonia, whose white wines with skin contact have now been integrated into the appellation. Historically, white wines with skin contact have always been made in Terra Alta (and other places in Catalonia).
The name of these wines is brisat.
But light and fresh white wines made with modern technology and made to be drunk young took over. When Terra Alta DO was formed, the tannin-rich and powerful brisat wines did not fit into the appellation rules and thus had to be left out. Until now.
Brisat wines must be made with at least 85% garnatxa blanca (the Catalan spelling for garnacha), macabeu or a blend of these two. They ferment totally or partly with the skins. Terra Alta is situated west of Priorat.
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