Priorat Wine Region

Nestled among the mountains in northeastern Spain, the Priorat (“PREE-ur-at”) wine region is located 90 miles southwest of Barcelona in the Catalonian province of Tarragona. This region of rugged landscapes and unique terroir has long been celebrated for producing some of the world’s most intense and highly regarded wines. The Priorat wine region is a testament to the magic that can come from the combination of exceptional land and viticultural techniques. It is the only other appellation besides Rioja to achieve the highest quality level in Spain, Denominación d’Origen Qualificada (DOQ).

History of Priorat

The viticultural history of the region dates to Roman times, but it was the area’s religious significance that shaped this Denominación d’ Origen. The Carthusian monastery of Scala Dei, built in the late 12th century, was the seat of power in the area. Its prior, a high-ranking member of the clergy, ruled as a feudal lord over seven villages, lending the name “Priorat” to the region. The monks introduced new viticultural techniques, like terraced vineyards, and made wine using traditional methods until 1835, when the Spanish government expropriated the Priorat land leading to a decline in winemaking. Phylloxera devastated the region in the late 19th century, and the economic ruin led to large scale emigration, further diminishing the industry. It was not until after the Spanish Civil War, in the 1950s, that replanting was slowly undertaken, and a revival began. Soon after, wine cooperatives formed and produced wine in bulk. The DO Priorat was formally created in 1954.

In the 1980s, Priorat began to transform. Winemaker René Barbier and the Palacios family from Rioja invested in the area, and their influence and expertise elevated Priorat wines to higher quality and international attention. In 2000, Priorat gained DOQ status and has consistently produced some of Spain’s most expensive and sought-after wines.

Geography and Climate of Priorat

Priorat is characterized by steep hillsides and mountains that rise from the Mediterranean coast. Within it are the river valleys of the Siurana and Montsant. The region’s soils are also unique, with a combination of red and black slate, limestone, and granite mica particles that the local Catalans call “llicorella.” Approximately 49,000 acres, Priorat encompasses 12 villages. The vineyards are planted on terraces of different heights and inclines at altitudes of between 330 and 700 feet above sea level. Priorat is almost completely surrounded by the DO Montsant, whose wines are similar.

Despite being a small area, Priorat has several microclimates within it. The hot, dry climate is more extreme than most continental climate areas, and there is a marked contrast between the valleys and the higher areas. Freezing winds descend from the north (mitigated somewhat by the Serra de Montsant mountain range) and the warm mistral wind blows from the east. Strong winds and storms are quite common in the area as well.

Grapes of Priorat

Priorat’s red wines are made primarily from two grape varieties: Grenache, which accounts for 41% of plantings and Carignan, which accounts for 24%. Other authorized red grape varieties grown in Priorat include Garnacha Peluda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. The authorized white varieties are Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, Pedro Ximénez, Chenin Blanc and Viognier. At just 7% of plantings, Priorat white wines are rare but known for their minerality, crisp acidity and floral notes.

Wine Production in Priorat

Priorat’s powerful red wines are characterized by their intense color, richness and complexity. They are often described as having flavors of dark fruit, black pepper and herbs, with a firm tannic structure and a long finish. Some believe that the wines have a mineral, smoky, and spicy character that comes from the llicorella soil. This soil reflects sunlight and conserves heat, but it also forces the roots of grape vines to dig deep to find nutrients. Many winemakers still use old-fashioned techniques that have been passed down through generations, such as using donkeys to till the land. The grapes are handpicked and carefully sorted before being fermented in small batches. The vineyards are small, and yields have always been famously low. Blending and ageing in oak barrels, which impart additional flavors and aromas to the wine, contribute to the distinct character of Priorat’s reds.

Classification of Wine in Priorat

Priorat has over 100 wineries producing more than 1,000 wines. Its unique classification system, Els Noms de la Terra (“the names of the lands”), is based on the quality of the vineyard and the age of the vines, like the system Burgundy uses.  Each category can have stringent requirements of vineyard ownership, varietal percentages, maximum yields, age of vines and their traceability. The Consejo Regulador has created the following categories:

• DOQ Priorat: regional wine, grapes sourced from entire appellation
• DOQ Priorat Vi de Vila: village wine, grapes sourced from a designated village
• DOQ Priorat Vi de Paratge: single-vineyard wine
• DOQ Priorat Vinya Classificada: equivalent to France’s premier cru
• DOQ Gran Vinya Classificada: equivalent to France’s grand cru
• Old Vines: 75 years old or planted before 1945 and can be used in all categories

Famous Wines of Priorat

Some of the most renowned wine producers from the region include Clos Mogador, Clos Martinet, Laurel, Clos Figueras, Clos Erasmus, Clos de l’Obac, Vall Llach and L’Ermita (the most expensive wine in the region at over $1,000 a bottle). These wines are known for their complexity, intensity and longevity, with some wines capable of aging for decades.

Tourism

Whether one comes to Priorat to sample its unique, world-class wines or take in its rugged landscapes, there is no denying the region’s appeal for travelers.

Most of Priorat’s wineries are open to the public and offer tours. The wineries also operate many high-quality restaurants, which offer a holistic Priorat experience. Old warehouses and mills have been converted into museums and village shops promote local gastronomic delights all year round.  There are wine and olive trails to discover, too.

Beyond wine tourism, Priorat offers much for adventurous travelers. There are charming villages; an endless network of walking, biking and driving trails; the Montsant Nature Park; the Serra de Llaberia mountains. Meanwhile, history buffs will enjoy the the prehistoric settlements of Calvari and Puig Roig, the rock paintings in Capçanes, and the monastery of Escaladei.