Vega Aixalà

is a passionate family winery located high in the Catalan mountains, renowned for restoring winemaking tradition to an extreme terroir. Led by Eva Aixalà and her family, the project focuses on crafting vibrant, natural wines that are a pure expression of their high-altitude vineyards and unique slate soil.

History & Location

The Vega Aixalà story began in 2003 when the family returned to their roots in Vilanova de Prades (Tarragona). They dedicated themselves to recovering and cultivating the old, neglected vineyards of their grandfather, reviving an agricultural tradition that had been nearly lost in this corner of Catalonia.

• Region: Conca de Barberà D.O. (on the edge of the Montsant mountains).

• Vineyards: Situated at an impressive altitude of nearly 900 meters (3,000 feet) above sea level.

• Terroir: The vineyards are nestled among steep terraced slopes, dominated by the characteristic Catalan "llicorella" (slate) rock. This mineral-rich soil, combined with a harsh continental climate and extreme day/night temperature variations, is crucial for producing grapes with excellent acidity and structure.

Philosophy: High-Altitude Purity

The winery operates with a philosophy centered on purity, respect for the land, and artisanal methods.

• Farming: They practice 100% Organic Agriculture (certified) and actively seek to maintain high biodiversity, using no herbicides, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers.

• Natural Winemaking: Their goal is to intervene as little as possible. Wines are made with native yeasts and are often released as Natural Wines, with no added sulfites, filtering, or fining.

• Traditional Techniques: Grapes are carefully selected and harvested by hand. In the cellar, they utilize both oak barrels and clay amphoras (tinajas) to enhance the wine's character and complexity while maintaining a delicate, respectful approach.

Key Wines & Varietals

Due to the unique microclimate, Vega Aixalà works with a diverse range of indigenous and international varietals, all expressing the mountain freshness and slate minerality.

• Varietals: Garnatxa Blanca, Garnatxa Negra (Grenache), Macabeu, Syrah, Carignan, Marselan, Albarinho, Riesling, and Pinot Noir.

• Style Highlights:

  • Emma Ancestral: Their sparkling wine made in the Pet-Nat style (Ancestral Method), involving a single fermentation that finishes in the bottle.

  • Orange Wines: They produce skin-contact whites like the Emma Garnatxa Blanca.

  • High-Altitude Reds & Whites: Wines like La Bauma and Viern show the concentration, freshness, and minerality imparted by the extreme terroir.