Region · Catalonia, Spain
Priorat
pree-oh-RAHT
Llicorella and old Garnacha
Catalonia's volcanic-looking schist (it is not volcanic) and bush vines that yield little and taste of tar, blackberry, and heat — with altitude for freshness.
- blackberry
- licorice
- slate
- violet
- cocoa
Priorat was rebuilt in the 1980s from nearly abandoned terraces. Garnacha and Cariñena on llicorella schist, often with Cabernet or Syrah in the modern blends. Alcohols are high; the best wines have mineral tension anyway.
Montsant is the doughnut around Priorat, often the smarter buy. Do not serve these wines too warm.
Lamb, all i oli, and aged Manchego.
At the table
Service
61–63 °F (16–17 °C). Decant young, dense bottles.
