Bottler: Portal del Priorat, C. de la Font n. 9, 43737 Gratallops / Spain
In the glass
Colour
Deep purple-red.
Nose
A multi-layered, ripe bouquet of cassis, plums and elderberries, underpinned by blood orange, Mediterranean herbs such as sage and bay leaf, as well as dark tobacco, mocha and mineral coolness.
Palate
Powerful and juicy on the palate with ripe, dense fruit, elegantly balanced by remarkably fresh acidity, fine-grained tannin and cool slate minerality.
Character
A sensual, hedonistic character wine that, despite its density and power, possesses an astonishing finesse, precision and drinking appeal.
Pairing
Ideal with partridge in Carignan with Puy lentils, braised lamb shoulder with labneh and dates, or grilled aubergines with dukkah.
Notes
The grapes come from old vines on iron-rich Llicorella slate soils at 320 to 360 metres altitude, were strictly selected and aged for 12 months in large French oak barrels.
Tasting note
Colour & Appearance
A dense, deep purple-red, displaying majestic concentration in the glass.
Nose
After generous aeration, a lavish, mature bouquet reveals itself. It shifts masterfully between fresh and liqueur-like notes of blackcurrant, plums, cherries and elderberries, finely contrasted by austere sloe and juicy blood orange. Behind this unfolds a dark, spicy complexity of bay leaf, sage, liquorice, mocha, charcoal, peat and tobacco. A cool, mineral slate note perfectly captures the ripe warmth of the fruit.
Palate
On the palate, the precise hand of former architect Alfredo Arribas is evident: clean lines rather than baroque excess. The ripe, full fruit feels remarkably stimulating thanks to vibrant, cool freshness and never heavy. The wine combines power and juiciness with aristocratic finesse. The fine-grained tannin and subtle oak handling support the structure, whilst the mineral vein lends the finish a fascinating length.
Terroir & Origin
The grapes grow in Spanish Priorat at 320 to 360 metres elevation. The vines are rooted in barren, iron-rich Llicorella slate weathered soil, responsible for the wine’s inimitable, cool minerality.
Grape Variety & Vinification
A demanding cuvée predominantly from old vines of Cariñena and Syrah. Following rigorous berry selection, a 24-day fermentation in steel tank is followed by gentle, 12-month maturation in large French oak barrels.
Food Pairing Suggestions
A magnificent food companion to partridge in Carignan with Puy lentils, braised lamb shoulder with labneh, dates and chickpeas or a vegetarian alternative such as grilled aubergines, lentils, soft eggs and dukkah.
Special Features
In the monumental 5000ml large format bottle, this wine possesses extraordinary ageing potential and is the absolute highlight for any discerning table. It impressively demonstrates that Priorat can prioritise elegance and freshness over sheer power.
