D.O.Q. Priorat

This small Catalan region, in the Province of Tarragona, has a long wine tradition. Its potential is determined for a good part by its microclimate (Mediterranean, but with sea breezes in the afternoon), its altitude and its geology (the famous llicorella slate).

It is now world famous thanks to the “New Priorat wines”.

This rocketing rise started in 1991, when the first wines of Costers del Siurana (vintage 1989) were released on the market.

Costers del Siurana then grouped several winemakers who, meanwhile, have gone their own separate ways.

In 15 years, the total number of estates climbed from 5 up to more than 80!

The appellation comprises some 1,700 ha, mainly Grenache and Carignan, the two main grapes replanted since 1920, after the phylloxera crisis.

At the end of the 19th century, the Priorat grew more than 20 different varietals.

Today, Grenache and Carignan are often complemented by other grapes like Cabernet, Merlot or Syrah.

White wines are very rare in the appellation.

In 2000, Priorat received the official status of D.O.C. – the top of the Spanish classification. Still today, only Rioja and Priorat have a D.O.C.