Literally the "highlands" of Catalonia, this area to the south of Priorat has four or five excellent cellars with a queue of candidates trying to join them. Most of the candidates have some way to go yet, but I am sure we will see some new names emerge over the next few years. The area is fortunate to have suffered a similar depression to the Priorat throughout the sixties and seventies, meaning few vineyards were replanted and as a result many producers today can reap the benefits of having older vines. Terra Alta is particularly strong in white wines, and although the commercial pressure on the cellars is to produce more reds (which are easier to sell) I can't help thinking that their true strength is in whites. This is where they can really produce world class wines with significant ageing potential. The barrel fermented whites from Celler Clua, Barbara Forés or the Bot cooperative can compete with the best in Catalonia.