Between steep mountains and slate soils, the Priorat Qualified Designation of Origin has established itself as one of the most prestigious designations of origin in Spain. The area is especially known for its red wines, with intense color, powerful aromas and robust character. But what makes Priorat wines so unique?
Particular characteristics
The exceptionality of Priorat wines is multifactorial, due to the combination of a series of factors that contribute to their image and reputation.
The vineyards of the DOCa Priorat are located in the southern part of the Prelitoral mountain range, near the Mediterranean Sea, which acts as a thermoregulator. Therefore, winters in the area are mild and summers are dry, with little rainfall. The rugged orography and steep natural slopes result in the emblematic terraces, which follow the mountains and require harvesting by hand.
Much of the uniqueness that characterizes the wines of the area comes from the type of soil, the licorella, a slate rock that absorbs solar radiation and provides extra heat to the plant, thus favoring the ripening of the grapes and their coloration. Since it does not retain water, the licorella allows the grapes to be very concentrated and of low production, providing a high acidity content and the characteristic mineral flavor of the region’s wines.
The main grape varieties that adapt perfectly to the extreme conditions of the area are the Grenache and the Carignan. Both bring character to the wine, flavors of black fruit and spicy touches. The complexity and depth that these varieties give to the wines of the area, also places them as wines with very good aging potential.
Recognition and prestige
Due to the uniqueness of the terroir, the region’s extreme surface and climate, and the quality of its wines, Priorat has the highest status of recognition for a wine designation of origin in Spain: the Qualified Designation of Origin, only found in La Rioja as well. Thanks to this designation, Priorat wines are recognized worldwide.