Become a Wine GENIUS in 5 Min. or Less - Priorat
Tracy Wallace
November 08, 2005
Wine professionals enjoy working with wine enthusiasts because they are eager to relay their new found wine knowledge and enthusiasm. This column will give you the information that most wine professionals must know in order to perform their jobs effectively. Now, the information is laid out in tidbits for the wine enthusiast to add to their arsenal of wine tools.
Exploring the Wine Region of Priorat/Priorato (pree oh RAH/pree oh RAH to)
Priorat is a wine area located in the Penedes (pen eh DAIS) region of northern Spain. If you were to look at a map of Spain, Priorat is located in the armpit on the east side of the country.
Breakin’ it Down:
Priorat is a place (a town composed of nine villages); Priorat is a the name of a wine (Ex: “I would like to order a glass of the Priorat”); A Priorat wine may be a red, white or rose.
Red Prorats are the HOTTEST wine trend right now!
What makes this wine unique is that Priorat is one of the few first class wines made from Grenache grape. Grenache grape is called Granacha in Spanish.
Granache is grown mostly in Spain and the best area to grow Grenache is Priorat, because the soil is so poor.
Soil Types in Priorat:
volcanic, quartz and slate. Locally the soil type is called Llicorella because it can give the wines a slight licorice type taste and or smell.
Grape Types Grown in Priorat:
Grenache, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah
What a Priorat Tastes Like:
A red wine Priorat may be described as: HUGE, earthy, mineral like, rich, bitter-sweet chocolate, strong character, rich fruit, black pepper, sage, thyme and intense.
Food Pairing:
Red Priorats work better with food than alone. Pair with lamb, duck, beef and roasts, Vegetarians may pair the wines with heartier style mock meats or beet and or bean salads.
Who Would Like a Red Priorat?:
Wine guys and gals that “like ‘em big”
Priorats You Should Try at Least Once:
2000 Scala Dei “Cartiox Reserva”, Priorat $18.99
2003 Les Terrasses, Priorat $25.99
Both wines available to order through the Wine Bank, call 1-800-940-WINE
2003 Salanques $59.99
2003 Costers de Vinas Viejas $79.99
Both wines are available to order through Brown Derby, call 417-883-4006
To reach Tracy Wallace - email sandiegowinelady@yahoo.com
Exploring the Wine Region of Priorat/Priorato (pree oh RAH/pree oh RAH to)
Priorat is a wine area located in the Penedes (pen eh DAIS) region of northern Spain. If you were to look at a map of Spain, Priorat is located in the armpit on the east side of the country.
Breakin’ it Down:
Priorat is a place (a town composed of nine villages); Priorat is a the name of a wine (Ex: “I would like to order a glass of the Priorat”); A Priorat wine may be a red, white or rose.
Red Prorats are the HOTTEST wine trend right now!
What makes this wine unique is that Priorat is one of the few first class wines made from Grenache grape. Grenache grape is called Granacha in Spanish.
Granache is grown mostly in Spain and the best area to grow Grenache is Priorat, because the soil is so poor.
Soil Types in Priorat:
volcanic, quartz and slate. Locally the soil type is called Llicorella because it can give the wines a slight licorice type taste and or smell.
Grape Types Grown in Priorat:
Grenache, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah
What a Priorat Tastes Like:
A red wine Priorat may be described as: HUGE, earthy, mineral like, rich, bitter-sweet chocolate, strong character, rich fruit, black pepper, sage, thyme and intense.
Food Pairing:
Red Priorats work better with food than alone. Pair with lamb, duck, beef and roasts, Vegetarians may pair the wines with heartier style mock meats or beet and or bean salads.
Who Would Like a Red Priorat?:
Wine guys and gals that “like ‘em big”
Priorats You Should Try at Least Once:
2000 Scala Dei “Cartiox Reserva”, Priorat $18.99
2003 Les Terrasses, Priorat $25.99
Both wines available to order through the Wine Bank, call 1-800-940-WINE
2003 Salanques $59.99
2003 Costers de Vinas Viejas $79.99
Both wines are available to order through Brown Derby, call 417-883-4006
To reach Tracy Wallace - email sandiegowinelady@yahoo.com