2008 Cellar Piñol Ludovicus, Terra Alta

The northeast corner of Spain, where Mediterranean breezes help cool down the country's scorching summer heat, has become one of the most dynamic and compelling regions to find great red wine values. Catalonia's Terra Alta ("high land") region is southwest of the better-known Priorat DOC, or Denominación Originata Controllata, an official wine designation that's similar to France's appellation system. As its name implies, Terra Alta sits above sea level--in the case of Celler Vinos Piñol, at an elevation of 1,200 feet. Vineyards cool off a little more at night, which helps to slow ripening and preserve acidity in the grapes--an essential component of balanced wine. Celler Vinos Piñol was founded more than 50 years ago by Terra Alta native Josep Arrufi, but his granddaughter Josefiña Piñol and her son, winemaker Juanjo Galcera Piñol, have put the winery on the map. Made from estate-grown organically farmed grapes, the Piñols' Ludovicus blend combines two Spanish varieties, Grenache and Tempranillo, with two imports, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine's polish and purity are a world away from the rustic style of old-school Catalonian wines, but its bright, spicy flavors stay true to the region's unique terroir.