Spotlight on Priorat, Catalonia, Spain
January 30, 2012
From: WineAnorak.com
Priorat is now one of the most happening wine regions in Spain, but one which fairly recently gone through huge transition. Old-style Priorat had a reputation for being rough and massively alcoholic, but since the 1990s things have changed, and now the best wines from this region are some of Spain’s most sophisticated and sought-after reds. It was awarded the DOC in 2001 (it had been a DO since 1975).
Like many world-class wine regions the secret here is spectacular terroir. Hillside vineyards with poor soils and low yielding old vines are the key. But why has it taken so long for the potential of this region to be unlocked? The terroir has always been there, but the wines now are immeasurably better than they used to be. This is probably because of the ambition and ability of the producers, coupled with a domestic market prepared to pay substantial prices for the best wines. This has encouraged investment and encouraged quality-minded winemakers not prepared to cut corners in the pursuit of the best wines the terroirs permit.
The key grapes here are Garnacha (known elsewhere as Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan). Not terribly promising raw material, perhaps, but old vines of these varieties evidently have the ability to express the Priorat terroir in profound ways. Added to this is a spattering of international varieties, notably Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
Speaking of hot, one of the hottest new wines to show up at Cool Springs Wines & Spirits has been the Vina Carles Priorat (2005). In-store tastings turned alot of of heads as the rich layers of flavors in this rich, Spanish blend wash across the palate. ($19.99)
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