Priorato (also known as Priorat) is a Catalonian wine-growing region in Spain, located south of Barcelona. It is named after the historical Carthusian monastery, the Priory, which monks established in the 12th century. The region is renowned for producing some of the finest red wines in all of Spain.
The vineyards in Priorato are distinctive because they are primarily located on steep hillsides with unique “llicorella” slate soil. The terrain and climate -- hot in the day and cool at night -- make the vines work harder, producing grapes of deep concentration.
The most common grape varieties found in Priorato include Garnacha Tinta (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan), however, other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah are also grown.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Priorato underwent a renaissance, as a new generation of viticulturists began experimenting with different methods and modern techniques, dramatically improving the quality of the wines produced.
Priorato was elevated to Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) status in 2000, putting it on par with Rioja as one of Spain's most prestigious wine regions. The wines of Priorato are praised for their powerful, full-bodied character, often displaying notes of black fruit, licorice, and mineral. The best Priorat wines often age well and are sought-after by collectors worldwide.
