Priorat

Priorat is a wine region in Catalonia, northeastern Spain, known for producing some of the country's most esteemed red wines. Located in the Tarragona province, it covers a rugged, mountainous landscape in the comarca of the same name, with towns such as Gratallops, Porrera and Escaladei. In the early 21st century it was designated as a Denominació d'Origen Qualificada (DOQ), the top level of Spain's wine appellation system, reflecting its emphasis on quality production.

Terroir and climate: The vineyards are mostly on steep slopes terraced into the llicorella slate soils that give dark, mineral notes. The soils are thin, with iron oxide that reddens the slate. Vines struggle with low fertility, yielding small crops. The climate is hot and dry in summer, tempered by elevation and diagonal winds; the diurnal temperature swings help preserve acidity.

Grapes and winemaking: The region's traditional varieties are Garnacha tinta (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan), usually blended, with smaller usage of international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot. Wineries often age wines in oak; yields are controlled to focus on concentration; wines are typically robust, with high tannins and aging potential, and mineral-laden character from slate soils.

History and revival: Vine cultivation in Priorat dates to Roman times, but production waned in the 19th and 20th centuries. A revival began in the 1980s and accelerated in the 1990s with winemakers such as Álvaro Palacios, René Barbier and others, who demonstrated the region's potential. The results gained international acclaim and helped establish Priorat as a benchmark for new-wave Spanish wines. Notable estates include Clos Mogador, Scala Dei, and Mas Doix.

Wine tourism and economy: The region is relatively small, with a strong cultural identity and a network of wine routes and cooperatives. The landscape, gastronomy and wine draw visitors from around the world.