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Priorat is a wine-producing region in Catalonia, Spain. It is best known for its powerful red wines made from a blend of Grenache (or Garnacha), Carignan (also known as Cariñena or Samsó), and often with small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
The area is characterized by its unique terroir of black slate and quartz soil, known as llicorella, which is credited with giving the wines a distinctive mineral quality. Priorat wines are typically high in alcohol, full-bodied, and have a dark, concentrated color.
Although wine has been produced in Priorat for centuries, it was not until the late 20th century that the region gained international acclaim. In 2000, it was elevated to Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) status, making it one of only two regions in Spain with this highest classification (the other being Rioja).
Many wineries in Priorat practice organic and biodynamic viticulture, and the region is also known for its commitment to preserving its environment and biodiversity. The small scale of production and high quality of the wines often make them more expensive than wines from other regions. Some of the best-known wineries in Priorat include Alvaro Palacios, Clos Mogador, and Clos Erasmus.
Despite its fame for red wines, Priorat also produces white wines from varieties like Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, and Pedro Ximénez, and sweet wines from the Moscatel variety. These are less common but increasing in popularity.