Priorat wine at a glance Region: Priorat, CataloniaQuality level: DOQ, the highest level in SpainSoil: llicorella, dark slate with micaGrapes: Garnacha, Cariñena and Syrah; white: Macabeo and Garnacha BlancaServing: 16 to 18 degrees CelsiusPairs with: red meat, lamb, stews and aged cheeseWhat is Priorat? Priorat is a wine region in the south of Catalonia. Together with Rioja , it is one of only two Spanish regions with the highest quality level. In Rioja this is called DOCa, in Catalonia DOQ, Denominació d’Origen Qualificada. Our wines come from Torroja del Priorat and Porrera, two villages in the region.
Why does Priorat taste so mineral? It comes down to the soil. It is called llicorella: dark slate with flecks of mica that hold the heat of the sun. The layer is thin, so the roots of the old vines dig deep for water and minerals. In the glass you taste this as a mineral, sometimes graphite-like note in the finish.
What types of Priorat wine are there? Priorat wines are blends or single-grape wines, and the style depends on the plots and the ageing. These are the wines in our range, from lively to powerful.
Pas dels Caus: lively and approachable The 'Pas dels Caus' comes from several vineyards around Torroja del Priorat, with vines more than twenty years old. It ages in polyethylene eggs and French oak barrels. You taste raspberry, citrus, flowers and herbs such as fennel and lavender. It is soft but lively, with a mineral finish.
Les Camades: full and classic The 'Les Camades' is a blend of Cariñena, Garnacha and Syrah, among others, from older vines. The wine ages in terracotta amphorae and French oak barrels. It smells of blackberries, wild strawberries and plums, with herbs such as rosemary and thyme. In the mouth it is full and juicy, with ripe tannins.
La Roca de l’Abellar: Garnacha with finesse The 'La Roca de l'Abellar' is 100% Garnacha from a single vineyard in Porrera, on sandstone with slate. The vines are about thirty years old and the wine ages for fourteen months in terracotta amphorae. It is silky and refined, with flowers, herbs and fine tannins.
l’Escaleta: Cariñena with power The 'l'Escaleta' is 100% Cariñena from vines more than forty years old in Torroja del Priorat. The name refers to a historic staircase carved by Carthusian monks. It ages for fourteen months in amphorae and shows violets, blackberries, graphite and Mediterranean herbs. It is intense, with lively acidity and a long finish.
Which one suits you? You want to get to know Priorat. Choose the Pas dels Caus.
You like it full and juicy. Choose Les Camades.
You are looking for elegance. Choose La Roca de l’Abellar.
You want power and depth. Choose l’Escaleta.
Which grapes are used in Priorat? Garnacha has long been the most important grape of the region. Cariñena, also called Samsó in Catalonia, adds freshness and structure. Grapes such as Syrah are used too, often in a blend. There is white wine from Priorat as well, made from grapes including Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo .
Who makes our Priorat? All the Priorat wines in our range come from Bodega Bravo Escós . The winemakers work around Torroja del Priorat and Porrera, with sustainable farming and an ongoing conversion to organic certification. In the cellar they choose spontaneous fermentation and ageing in terracotta amphorae, polyethylene eggs and French oak.
What food goes with Priorat? Powerful wines such as l’Escaleta and Les Camades go well with red meat, lamb, stews, game and aged cheese. The livelier Pas dels Caus and the refined La Roca de l’Abellar also suit grilled vegetables, charcuterie and poultry.
Buy Priorat at ONWINE At ONWINE you buy wine directly from the winemaker, and on our winemakers page you can read who is behind the wine. Shipping is free from 12 bottles from the same winemaker. Want to try several styles? The Priorat Red Tasting Case has six bottles of red. The Bodega Bravo Escós Tasting Case (Priorat) also includes a white Priorat. Looking for softer red wine? Then see our Rioja .
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Frequently asked questions about Priorat Which Priorat is the best? That depends on your taste. For a first introduction the Pas dels Caus is a good choice: lively and approachable. If you like full, powerful wine, choose l’Escaleta or Les Camades. Want to try every style? Start with the Priorat Red Tasting Case .
What does Priorat taste like? Priorat is usually powerful and mineral, with ripe dark fruit, herbs and a finish of graphite or slate. How soft or intense it is depends on the grape and the ageing.
Should you decant Priorat? For a young, powerful Priorat, often yes. It usually benefits from about 30 minutes of air, for example in a decanter. A lively wine such as the Pas dels Caus needs it less.
How long can you keep Priorat? A powerful Priorat can often keep for five years or more. Store the bottles lying down, in a cool, dark place.
Is there white Priorat? Yes. One example is the La Font del Mosquit from Bodega Bravo Escós, made from 70% Macabeo and 30% Garnacha Blanca (Grenache Blanc). We currently sell that bottle only in the Bodega Bravo Escós Tasting Case (Priorat).
