Priorat: Region Detail
Priorat is one of only two regions in Spain to qualify as DOCa – the highest status for a Spanish wine region according to strict regulations.
Predominate grapes are Garnacha and Cariñena, with secondary grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or Merlot. Garnacha (Spanish) or Grenache (French) is a prevalent grape because it is ideally suited to the dry climate of the area. This region has an impressive amount of old vines that help create rich, concentrated, velvety reds. In general, the Garnacha will be aromatic, a bit higher in alcohol, and picked earlier, while the Cariñena adds tannins, acidity, and structure.
Most old vineyards plantings are in costers or bush vines. The DOC restricts each plant to 1.5 kilograms of grapes, so those planted in a terraced style typically have to be pruned back. The DOC also regulates the water, and after two years from planting, you are not allowed to water the vineyards. Combing these low yields with the challenging landscape, you won't find any large-scale production.
Some similarities exist with Portugal's Douro Valley first in terms of the slate soil called llicorella in Spanish. They also share steeply terraced vineyards requiring everything to be done by hand. This soil composition holds the minerals and requires the vines to go deep to find water. Based on the vines' age, the roots can differ from 15 meters to upwards of 50 meters in 100-year-old vines.
Yields are extremely low, and manual labor is intense. The hillside terraces are picturesque but create back-breaking work for those tending the vines.
You'll also find fennel, thyme, and lavender growing wild throughout the vineyards adding secondary flavors to the wine.
There is much to explore in the wines of Priorat, from the grape varietals to the various terroir expressions.
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