The best Priorat wines at Ritschard Wines: a selection of the top wines from the region
What is the Priorat?
The Priorat is a fascinating wine region in the province of Tarragona, in the southwest of Catalonia, Spain. This area is famous for its exceptional wines, which owe their distinctive character to the slate soils and the special climate. Along with Rioja, Priorat is one of Spain's oldest wine-growing regions and has an impressive winemaking tradition. The wines from this region are characterised by their minerality, freshness and fruitiness and are considered world-class wines that delight connoisseurs and gourmets alike. The region, which was introduced by Carthusian monks in the 12th century, has a rich cultural significance that can be experienced when buying Priorat wine.
History of Priorat
The history of the Priorat is closely linked to the founding of the Priorato de Scala Dei Abbey in 1163 by Carthusian monks. These monks brought with them their extensive knowledge and techniques in viticulture from Provence in the 12th century. They introduced various types of viticulture, including both traditional and experimental approaches, and adapted them to the type of soil. They cultivated the vineyards for many centuries until 1835, when the state expropriated them and handed their lands over to small farmers.
The Catalan wine region covers about 20,000 hectares, of which only 2,000 hectares are planted with vines. Twelve villages make up the DOQ Priorat: Bellmunt del Priorat, Gratallops, el Lloar, la Morera de Montsant, Porrera, Poboleda, Scala Dei, Torroja del Priorat, la Vilella Alta, la Vilella Baixa, as well as the wine-growing areas of Masos de Falset and Solanes del Molar.
Towards the end of the 19th century, a phylloxera epidemic devastated the vineyards, causing a severe economic crisis for the region. At the same time, the emerging textile industry in Catalonia attracted many workers to the cities, leading to the depopulation of rural areas. It was not until the 1950s that people began planting new vines.
The reconstruction of Priorat is largely thanks to a group of dedicated winemakers, including René Barbier, Alvaro Palacios, Josep Lluis Perez, Daphne Glorian and Carles Pastrana. René Barbier recognised the region's potential and purchased his first plot of land in 1979 to plant vineyards there. He encouraged his colleagues to invest in the region as well and to plant new vineyards in suitable locations.
In 1989, these five wineries decided to combine their grapes for three vintages and produce a wine under five different labels: Clos Mogador, Clos Dofi, Clos Erasmus, Clos Martinet and Clos de l'Obac. From 1992, they went their separate ways again, but their collaboration laid the foundation for Priorat to be recognised as one of the world's most prestigious wine regions.
Geography and climate
The small mountain region that makes up the DOC Priorat is nestled between the mighty Sierra de Montsant to the north, the Sierra de La Figuera to the west and the Sierra de Molló to the east. To the south, the region opens up along the Siurana river, which meanders through valleys and small plains, mountains and slopes, serving as the area's lifeline.
The vineyards of Priorat extend over steep slopes and terraces at altitudes ranging from 100 metres above sea level in Bellmunt del Priorat and El Molar, to 750 metres at the highest sites of La Morera de Montsant and Porrera. The soils are often extremely steep, with gradients between 15 and 60%, making viticulture a real challenge. On the steepest plots, the use of machines is impossible, which is why traditional cultivation methods are still practised here.
The terraces in particular provide ideal conditions for viticulture in the Sierra de Montsant. The vineyards are partly located at an altitude of over 700 metres, where a mild climate prevails. Summers are dry but not too hot, and cooling breezes from the nearby Mediterranean bring freshness and light moisture to the region. In addition, the Riu de Siurana, a tributary of the Ebro, provides the necessary water supply.
DOCa
The DOCa Priorat is the only wine-growing region in Catalonia to have qualified designation of origin status, and it is one of only two regions in Spain to have achieved this, along with DOCa Rioja. To be awarded the title ‘qualified’, a wine region must have been recognised as a designation of origin for at least ten years and meet strict requirements in terms of traceability (from the vineyard plot to the grapes, as well as transport, processing and ageing) and quality (including organoleptic and analytical testing).
The Vino de Finca (estate wine) designation is one step above Vino de Villa and represents the highest recognition that a wine can currently achieve in Catalonia. However, the criteria for obtaining this special distinction are extremely strict. For example, the maximum yield for grapes used for Vino de Finca may only be 15% below the maximum yield set by the DOC for other wines.
The title Vino de Finca is reserved exclusively for wines whose grapes come from a clearly defined wine-growing unit whose name is directly linked to that of the wine. These wines must be produced, bottled and aged by the vineyards that own them. In exceptional cases, grapes from neighbouring vineyards may also be used. All production and ageing must take place within the estate, separately and in a manner that is traceable at all times.
To be recognised as a finca wine, a wine must also have a proven quality and reputation of at least ten years on the market. By the end of 2018, only four wines from the DOC Priorat had received the prestigious Vino de Finca award: Clos Fontà and Coma Blanca (Mas d'en Gil Viticultors), Clos Mogador and Mas de la Rosa (Vall Llach).
Grape varieties and wines in Priorat
The special soil and climate conditions in Priorat make viticulture a challenging task, but give the wines an unmistakable character. The key to this unique profile lies in the small-leaved, dark slate soil, known as Llicorella in Catalan. This soil characterises the wines with a striking aroma and gives them a pronounced minerality and tension.
The extreme conditions in Priorat lead to very low yields, especially in the old vines, which produce only 10 to 25 hectolitres per hectare. These low yields, coupled with the laborious cultivation of the steep slopes and terraces (known as costers), help to explain why the wines of this region have commanded a high price from the outset.
The harvest is small, but the Garnacha and Cariñena grapes that grow here are exceptionally concentrated and expressive. Other red grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, also produce good wines and often find their place in the final cuvée, but rarely achieve the intensity and typicity of the native varieties. The best Priorat reds are characterised by their intensity, minerality and complexity. The high quality and diversity of the reds from this region is remarkable, and red wine lovers should especially try the Garnacha reds.
White wines play a smaller role in Priorat, with Garnacha Blanca being the most commonly used white grape variety. Nevertheless, the importance of Macabeo and especially Pedro Ximénez should not be underestimated, lending many Priorat whites added character and a special aroma characterised by warm notes, wild herbs and spices.
Overall, the wines of Priorat are powerful and full of character, which is not surprising given the harsh conditions in this wine-growing region. High temperatures, low rainfall and nutrient-poor, dark soils shape the vines and make the wines from Priorat something very special.
World-renowned wines
Priorat is the only wine-growing region in Spain, besides Rioja, that is allowed to bear the coveted DOCa quality designation, an award that stands for exceptional wine quality.
In contrast, the wines from Montsant have the status of a DO (Denominación de Origen), which was awarded to them at the regional level in 2002. Since then, Montsant has seen dynamic development, with over 55 registered wineries, and is particularly known for its fresh, fruity red wines, which stand in contrast to the stronger style of Priorat.
Today, Priorat is one of the world's top five wine regions. This is due to several factors:
- The region is extremely steep, which ensures optimal sunlight.
- The soil is mainly composed of the famous Llicorella slate, which gives the wines their characteristic minerality.
- Due to the steep slopes, mules and horses are necessary to work the soil and transport the grapes.
- In Priorat, all work in the vineyard is done by hand, giving the wines outstanding quality and making them true treasures of the wine world.
Grape varieties and wine production
In Priorat, the Garnacha and Cariñena grape varieties are particularly prominent and shape the character of the wines, which are known for their high quality and uniqueness. Wine production in this region is traditional, mostly by small, independent winemakers who produce their wines in limited quantities, making them particularly sought after.
In terms of taste, Priorat wines are characterised by their unmistakable character, which is largely influenced by the special soil conditions in the region. The soil in Priorat consists mainly of barren, nutrient-poor slate, known as ‘pizarra’. This soil gives the vines few nutrients, and combined with the extremely hot and dry climate, it creates unique conditions.
These harsh conditions make it almost impossible to grow anything but vines in Priorat. The vines are forced to drive their roots deep into the ground, often up to 15 metres, to find sufficient nutrients and water. This struggle for survival means that the vines produce only a few, highly concentrated and flavourful grapes. This intensity gives the wines of Priorat a quality that is second to none in the world. Old vines in this region produce much more elegant and characterful wines than younger plants.
Priorat mainly produces top-quality red wines with a characteristic mineral note, traditionally made from Garnacha grapes. However, winemakers are also turning to other varieties such as Cariñena, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
White Priorat wines are mainly made from grape varieties such as Macabeo, Chenin Blanc, Garnacha Blanca and Pedro Ximénez. In addition, rosé wines are also produced in the region, rounding off the diverse range of Priorat wines.
Priorat
The Priorat region is characterised by breathtaking mountainous terrain, with steep slopes and dramatic terraces that range from 100 to 700 metres above sea level. This exceptional topography makes wine-growing here a challenging and costly task. The soils are predominantly slate, interspersed with layers of pulverised clay. Surrounded by the Montsant mountain range, a wide variety of microclimates develop in this area, giving the wines of Priorat their unique complexity.
Due to these conditions, yields in Priorat are significantly lower than in many other wine regions and rarely exceed 2,000 kilos per hectare.
The most well-known native red grape varieties used to make red wine are Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan). Other red varieties such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Syrah are also permitted.
Traditionally, red wines are made in Priorat from Garnacha or Cariñena, often as Bordeaux-style blends that combine these native varieties with French grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah. The authorised white varieties are Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, Pedro Ximénez, Chenin Blanc, Muscat of Alexandria, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Xarello and Piquepoul.
Montsant
The vineyards of the Montsant mountain range extend along steep slopes at altitudes between 200 and 700 metres above sea level. Three main soil types dominate in this region: calcareous clay, granite sand and slate. Although the area is close to the Mediterranean Sea, the surrounding mountains ensure that Montsant has more of a continental climate, giving the wines a special touch.
The authorised red grape varieties are Grenache, Carignan, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Grenache in particular is widely grown here and produces rich, full-bodied wines with a high alcohol content. The main white grape varieties are Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, Chardonnay, Muscat of Alexandria and Cartoixa.
The most important producers and their wines
Montsant - Montsant, Priorats are known for their outstanding wines, produced by some of Spain's best winemakers. Alvaro Palacios is one of the most famous names, with his top product Les Terrasses, Finca Dofí. Bodegas Mas Alta also produces remarkable wines such as Els Pics, La Bajondilla, which impresses with its powerful structure.
Cims de Porrera, with Torroja del Priorat, produces a wine that is appreciated for its depth and complexity. Mas Martinet, known for Clos Mogador, is run by Sara Perez, one of the most influential winemakers in Priorat.
Frequently asked questions about Priorat wine
What is a Priorat wine?
Priorat is not only the oldest demarcated wine region in Spain, but also one of the two (the other one being Rioja) that have the exclusive D.O. Ca quality distinction. The wines produced in this region have earned an outstanding reputation worldwide.
What does Priorat taste like?
It is extremely powerful on the palate, with an excellent structure. Its sweet notes are reminiscent of grapes, making it the perfect accompaniment to desserts and dried fruit.
Which grape is Priorat?
The dominant grape varieties in Priorat are Garnacha (also known as Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan). These two varieties form the basis for almost all red wines from the region, although there are no legal requirements regarding minimum or maximum quantities for either of these grape varieties.
What is Priorat wine comparable to?
Both Rioja and Priorat offer you an extraordinary experience where you can enjoy excellent Spanish and Catalan wines in a breathtaking natural setting.
What type of wine is Priorat?
A regional Spanish cuvée, best known for its intense, powerful reds, made predominantly from Grenache and Carignan. These wines are ideally aged for at least five years before release. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are occasionally added for complexity.