my growing love for the wines of Priorat

Priorat, with its steep mountainside and treacherous situated vineyards lying two hours south of Barcelona, I am awed and fascinated with this Catalan region's wines. Despite Priorat's small wine production and 4,450 acres of vines it has earned a prestigious classification of DOC (Demonacion de Origen Calificada). The region's popularity rose in the early 1990s as winemakers discovered the "licorella" soil. This soils consists of black and red slate and quartz. Obviously, these groundbreaking winemakers thought this tough soil was exceptional for winemaking...why wouldn't they...crazy! As the months quickly come and go, I become more excited for my trip to Priorat this sumer, but in the meantime I will continue to enjoy their delicious and extraordinary wines.      


2007 Vinedos de Ithaca 'Akyles' Priorat With it's impressive deep purple color, it smells of lavender, black cherries and plums this bouquet makes for a wonderful start. This full bodied wine of sweet baked cherry and blackberry had a pleasant and inviting minerality to it  with soft tanins that balanced so well on your palate. 
I think it's a wonderful introduction to the region of Priorat! 


Grapes: Granacha (42%), Carinena (18%), Garnacha Peludo (25%), Cabernet Sauvignon (15%)     


Price: $25
http://www.puigpriorat.com








2005 Joan Simo Sentius Priorat Rarely do you come across a red with a rustic character that leaves a refreshing finish on your palate. Great wine to pair with a warm bowl of brown rice, tofu, spicy marsala sauce and garbanzo beans. (wine spectator: 92 points)

Price: $35