Priorat

Priorat is one of the most prestigious winegrowing areas of Spain. In fact, Rioja and Priorat are the only two areas in Spain with the designation ¨Calificada¨. This means that all levels of quality, both in the vineyard as well as in the bodega are at the highest standards and has been at these levels over a longer period of time. Mostly this transfers automatically in higher prices that we have to pay for these wines.

Priorat distinguishes itself from other winegrowing areas with its microclimate and its unique soils. These soils, locally named ¨Licorella¨ consist mainly from a specific type of rock (slate). As you expect we find ourselves high in the mountains surrounded by protected nature.

Cultivating wine in this area is extremely difficult. The poor soils, extreme temperatures during the summer and very little rain demand the utmost from the grapes. The wines produced in Priorat are therefore often very concentrated and with lots of body and high levels of alcohol.

The most common grapes are Garnacha Tinta and Cariñena (Samsó), used for the production of red wines. White wines are rarely found in this region but there are some really good ones, made from Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo. Most of the wines have matured in wooden barrels in of the 99 bodegas.

Those who love to spend the day in extreme and beautiful nature and like to taste bold and complex wines will definitely go for our road trip to Priorat. It is an almost two hour drive from Barcelona but very worthwhile. Also we can offer a two day stay which we combine with a visit to the region of Montsant. On the page What we do you will find more information.