Vinicola del Priorat

Priorat, Spain

In Prioart a harsh climate with long summers and very little rain means that vines are some of the very few crops able to survive in the ruggedly mountainous terrain. The vines are planted on steep hillsides, making mechanized farming virtually impossible - the work in the vineyards is mostly done by hand. Additionally, the region is known for its unique soil composition, known as llicorella. Remarkably infertile, it is a dark brown mix of broken slate and quartz that sparkles in the sun. The old vines, poor soils and dry farming produces low yields of well structured grapes. The average yield is 2 lbs per vine, which comes to approximately 1 bottle of wine per vine.

Priorat has risen from being relatively unknown to now producing some of the most highly valued wines in the world. There is, however, a long history of wine making - Carthusian monks first planted vines in the 12th century.

The head winemaker, Maria del Carmen Rivero has made a name for herself by producing elegant, carefully balanced wines that frequently garner high praise and is part of a growing movement of female winemakers in Spain.

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Available Wines

Clos Gebrat

Onix Classic