Wines of Priorat, Spain


Wines of Priorat, Spain
Friday, April 11, at 5pm PT
Let's travel through our wine glasses to a very special region with an incredible history and unique terroir...
Nestled in Catalonia’s Tarragona province, Priorat is one of Spain’s only two DOQ (Denominació d'Origen Qualificada) regions, alongside Rioja, recognized for its exceptional quality. The region’s winemaking history dates back to the 12th century when Carthusian monks established vineyards, but it wasn’t until the late 20th-century revival that Priorat emerged as a global wine powerhouse.
Terroir is the defining factor in Priorat’s unique character. The region is renowned for its dramatic, mountainous landscape, with vineyards clinging to steep, terraced slopes. Its signature "llicorella" soil—a mix of black slate and quartz—retains heat and forces vines to dig deep for nutrients, resulting in low yields but intensely concentrated grapes. A Mediterranean climate with continental influences adds further complexity, with hot days and cool nights preserving acidity and balance in the wines.
Priorat is best known for powerful, full-bodied reds, primarily based on Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan), often blended with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot. These wines are rich, structured, and known for their deep minerality, bold fruit, and aging potential. White wines, made from Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, and Pedro Ximénez, are rare but offer freshness and complexity.
Today, Priorat is a symbol of Spanish viticultural excellence, home to both historic estates and innovative winemakers pushing boundaries while respecting tradition. Soon after you purchase a ticket for this event, you’ll receive an email from me with the wine list (and links to purchase the bottles), food pairing suggestions, some printouts to guide your wine tasting experience, and the Zoom link.
By the way, check out my Wine Tasting Club subscription for the best value, access to this event, past tasting recordings, and so much more.
Can't wait to see you there!🍷