Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – A similar blend of 65% Garnacha, 25% Cariñena and 10% Syrah resulted in a 2015 Salanques with higher ripeness and notably lower acidity, reflecting a much warmer and drier year. It's ripe and with lots of earthiness, mineral and characterful, with ripe fruit without excess, elegant tannins and a polished, sleek texture within the rusticity of the zone. - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Nestled in the steep hills of Catalonia, Spain, the Priorat wine region is characterized by its unique llicorella soil, a mix of black slate and quartz that imparts a distinctive mineral note to the wines. This challenging topography, combined with a Mediterranean climate, creates an environment where grapes are pushed to their limits, resulting in wines of exceptional concentration and depth.
Traditionally, the region has been dominated by red varieties like Garnacha and Cariñena, which yield bold, full-bodied wines with a remarkable aging potential. However, in recent years, Priorat has seen a resurgence of white and rosé wines, broadening its spectrum of offerings. The meticulous care taken by local vineyards, many of which employ age-old techniques passed down through generations, ensures that every bottle captures the essence of this remarkable region. Whether savored on a special occasion or simply enjoyed on a quiet evening, Priorat wines never fail to leave an indelible impression.
Priorat is a captivating wine region situated in Catalonia, northeastern Spain. Nestled amongst steep terraced vineyards, it lies approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Barcelona. The region is surrounded by the Montsant mountain range, which provides a unique microclimate that's instrumental in shaping the wines from this area. The towns of Falset and Gratallops serve as epicenters of viticulture here, drawing wine enthusiasts from all corners to explore the ancient vineyards, stone terraces, and charming wineries that dot the landscape. Due to its remote location, Priorat has remained relatively undisturbed for centuries, allowing it to maintain a rich wine tradition that’s deeply rooted in history.
Wines from Priorat are globally renowned for their outstanding quality and distinctive character. The region's unique terroir, characterized by its llicorella slate soils, contributes to the production of wines with notable mineral richness and concentration. While the quality of Priorat wines is unquestionably high, their price points can vary. The intense labor required due to the steep terrains, coupled with the region's prestigious reputation, means some bottles can command higher prices. However, there's still a spectrum of affordability, and diligent enthusiasts can uncover exceptional value wines that deliver the authentic essence of Priorat without breaking the bank.
The uniqueness of Priorat as a wine region is an amalgamation of its history, topography, and terroir. The region's ancient vineyards, some of which are over a century old, are rooted in llicorella soils, a distinctive blend of black slate and quartz. This soil, paired with the Mediterranean climate, produces grapes with a profound depth of flavor and mineral undertone. Moreover, the steep slopes and terraced vineyards demand meticulous hand-harvesting, further intensifying the character of the wines. The combination of these factors, coupled with centuries-old winemaking traditions passed down through generations, ensures that wines from Priorat carry a unique signature that's unmatched by any other region.
Priorat is predominantly celebrated for its robust and full-bodied red wines. Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan) are the cornerstone grape varieties, often blended together or with other international varieties to produce wines of exceptional depth and complexity. These reds are characterized by their intense fruit flavors, complemented by earthy, mineral notes derived from the region's distinctive slate soils. Though red wines reign supreme in Priorat, the region has witnessed a resurgence in white and rosé wines, diversifying its portfolio and enticing a broader range of wine aficionados.
Choosing the "best" wines from Priorat can be subjective, given the plethora of exceptional wineries and varied taste preferences. However, there are certain names that consistently emerge as benchmarks for quality in the region. Renowned producers like Alvaro Palacios, Clos Mogador, and Clos Erasmus have crafted iconic wines that have elevated Priorat's global standing. Their offerings, often made from old vines, exhibit a harmonious balance of power, elegance, and terroir-driven nuances. Additionally, many boutique wineries are producing remarkable wines that are gaining recognition for their excellence. As always, the "best" wine is one that resonates with individual palates, and in Priorat, there's no shortage of exemplary choices.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.