Spanish Wine Regions: Priorat

Priorat

The land of Grenacha. Located in the north eastern part of Spain, lies a steep mountainous region full of schist and shale rocks, where you would think nothing can grow. The wind picks up every afternoon, but nothing can take away from the most dramatic and extreme views of anywhere I've ever seen. When the sun is setting, the extremity of colors reflecting off of the mountains is quite amazing and has a way of putting the whole world into a new perspective. 

Sometimes the best things come out struggle, and that is an understatement for the vines in Priorat. The only reason that they can survive at all, is because the schist and shale rock in the region, lies vertically versus horizontally. This meaning that the roots of the vines grow deep down, through rock crevices to find water and soil. This also helps protect them from those heavy winds. The slate rocks get hot under the sun and get extremely cool at night, which makes this a very extreme climate and growing region. This slate rock soil is what provides the very essence of Priorat wines. 

Although historically only Grenache grapes were grown, other varieties have now been introduced to the region over the past 25 years, to help balance some of the sometimes big, bold tannic flavors that can come from schist rocks and Grenache vines. Some favorites to try: Trossos, Masadeu, and Mas Doix. 

Unlike in the U.S. most wineries have restaurants and some even have few room hotel as well. Trossos del Priorat. A modern, working winery built into a hillside with dramatic panoramic views in every direction. The place was amazing. Great service, great wines and traditional Catalonia breakfast Pan Tomat. Of course there was more than just this, but I almost always opt to do and eat like the locals do. A piece of toast, some olive oil and whole tomatoes, schemered on top. 

Probably the best meal of the trip during our stay in Priorat was at Restaurant Amics. Most things in Priorat are atop a mountain, and this place wasn't any different. With break taking views, watching the sunset over the mountains pairs nicely with a bottle of La Joaquina. This wine embosses a sunset in a glass. Farm to table, where it's not a fad, it's the way of life. The chef points out the farms in the canyon where each dish came from. With limited resources in the area, which some might consider desolate, he creates dishes based on the season and what can grow in the extreme climatic conditions. 

If your visiting the Priorat region, a must see is the little village of Siurana. Its a tiny quaint town up top a mountain. It was built as a form of protection against its enemies, as there is only one way in, one way out. All sides of the village are sheer drop offs, which no one would survive. With cobblestone streets and flowers growing up all walls and doorways, you travel back in time and find a zen like moment, where all you can hear is the wind and all you see are the skies and be in that exact moment of life.