📍 Priorat

Priorat is a wine region in Catalonia, Spain, with steep slate slopes, known for concentrated red wines. Priorat (Catalan: Priorat) is a small wine zone in Catalonia, in the province of Tarragona, in north-eastern Spain. Together with Rioja it is the only Spanish area at the top quality tier (DOQ in Priorat's case). The name comes from the monastery of Scala Dei, founded by Carthusian monks.

Vineyards sit on steep slopes where the soils are dark slate with quartz, known as llicorella. It holds little water, vines root deep, and yields are very small. The climate is hot and dry, but nights are cool.

The main grapes are Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Catalan: Samsó). Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot are added. Priorat reds are dense and concentrated, with black-berry aromas and a mineral finish, and they age well. There are also whites from Garnacha Blanca and other grapes.

Old vines and small volumes make Priorat wines expensive but distinctive. Montsant, also in Catalonia and with similar grapes, lies next door, but its wines are more affordable. A Priorat bottle is worth keeping a few years in the cellar and serving with meat, game and aged cheese.