info@buyersandcellars.ca
www.buyersandcellars.ca Cellar Profile
Region
This tiny region in Catalonia has a long and storied wine history, dating to the 12th century when the Carthusian monks established its worth. However, it remained a rather unknown treasure outside of Spain until the region rocketed onto the international wine scene in the 1990s. Priorat’s propensity to make intense, full and flavourful reds coincided nicely with the world’s wine tastes at that time. But the region offers much more than weight and fruit. It is blessed with an abundance of very old Garnacha and Carignan vines planted in unique, very poor slate soil known as Llicorella. These soils give Priorat its trademark minerality and freshness not often found in wines with such power and concentration. It is also the only region in Spain aside from Rioja to enjoy Denominación de Origin Calificada status, the country’s top regional designation.
Vineyard
30-90 year-old grapes are sourced from a vineyard planted at 500 meters above sea level, in the classic Llicorella soils found throughout the region.
Varieties
80% Garnacha, 15% Cariñena, 5% Syrah. A typically modern Priorat blend that adds in Syrah for colour and structure.
Winemaking
Hand-harvested and fermented via indigenous yeasts. The long, slow ferment is followed by a brief four months aging in new and used French oak barrels. A fresh and fruity example from Priorat that offers tremendous value and flexibility.
Tasting Notes
A bright, flavourful and stylish Priorat that shows abundant ripe red fruits and minerality. The palate is full and vibrant with more freshness than others in the category. Tannins are moderate and well integrated.