Spain

Priorat

Northeast Spain, inland from Tarragona in Catalonia, a rugged amphitheatre of black slate hills.

Hot, dry Mediterranean with dramatic temperature swings; yields are brutally low.

Priorat, a rugged amphitheatre of black slate terraces inland from Tarragona, produces some of Spain's (and the world's) most concentrated, mineral wines. Its Grenache and Carignan from ancient bush vines, rooted in volcanic schist, deliver a uniquely powerful yet elegant style.

Rewarded with Spain's highest DOCa classification, Priorat has become a cult region - prices reflect the difficulty and quality.

For the buyer, Priorat's robust, slate-kissed reds are an investment in Spanish fine wine and a memorable drinking experience.

Terroir & Soil

The unique 'llicorella' - black slate and mica schist - that gives Priorat wines their unmistakable mineral, smokey power.

What to Expect from the Wines

  • · Priorat is Spain's first and only DOCa (double classification), producing intense, mineral reds from Grenache and Carignan.
  • · The black slate soil gives the wines a signature smokey, flinty, dark-fruit character.
  • · Old bush vines and tiny yields mean low volume and high concentration.

Remarkable Bottles from Priorat

All wines →
red

Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus

Priorat · 2024 (representative vintage)

Clos i Terrasses Clos Erasmus is an red wine from Spain, in the Priorat region (Northeast Spain, inland from Tarragona in Catalonia, a rugged amphitheatre of black slate hills.), made principally from Grenache. The scandal-critical Priorat icon that helped launch the region's modern renaissance at the turn of the century.

$200–$350 est. retail

red

Priorat Grenache

Priorat · 2024 (representative vintage)

Priorat Grenache is an red wine from Spain, in the Priorat region (Northeast Spain, inland from Tarragona in Catalonia, a rugged amphitheatre of black slate hills.), made principally from Grenache. a house-style Priorat grenache that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

red

Priorat Carignan

Priorat · 2024 (representative vintage)

Priorat Carignan is an red wine from Spain, in the Priorat region (Northeast Spain, inland from Tarragona in Catalonia, a rugged amphitheatre of black slate hills.), made principally from Carignan. a house-style Priorat carignan that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

red

Priorat Cabernet Sauvignon

Priorat · 2024 (representative vintage)

Priorat Cabernet Sauvignon is an red wine from Spain, in the Priorat region (Northeast Spain, inland from Tarragona in Catalonia, a rugged amphitheatre of black slate hills.), made principally from Cabernet Sauvignon. a house-style Priorat cabernet sauvignon that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

red

Priorat Shiraz

Priorat · 2024 (representative vintage)

Priorat Shiraz is an red wine from Spain, in the Priorat region (Northeast Spain, inland from Tarragona in Catalonia, a rugged amphitheatre of black slate hills.), made principally from Shiraz. a house-style Priorat shiraz that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

red

Priorat Merlot

Priorat · 2024 (representative vintage)

Priorat Merlot is an red wine from Spain, in the Priorat region (Northeast Spain, inland from Tarragona in Catalonia, a rugged amphitheatre of black slate hills.), made principally from Merlot. a house-style Priorat merlot that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

Food Pairing

  • · Priorat's minerality pairs with charcoal-grilled meats and braised dishes.
  • · Grenache purity suits Mediterranean food and lamb.
  • · Carignan adds structure for rich stews and hard cheese.

Buying from Priorat

  • › Grenal is the local style; look for single-vineyard bottlings from the region's trailblazing cooperatives and growers.
  • › The llicorella slate yields intense, long-lived wines - buy with patience.
  • › Expect bold, spicy bottles from the region's many exciting boutique cellars.