In the December Gazette, we hinted that the best Carignan wines come from Priorat. Here is Carignan blend to illustrate our point.
Declara, D.O.C.Priorat
Priorat is one of the most prestigious and historically significant wine-producing areas in Europe, located in southwestern part of Catalonia, near the Mediterranean coast, 30-40Km inland from the city of Tarragona.
Known for its rugged landscape and steep, terraced vineyards, nestled in the Montsant mountain range, Priorat has been making wine since Roman times, and it is celebrated for producing some of the country’s most complex and powerful red wines.
The region was granted DOC (Denominación de Origen Calificada) status in 2000, a higher designation than DO where the region, in addition to a consistent track record of producing outstanding wines with specific geographical characteristics, must also demonstrate a commitment to maintaining its unique characteristics that define its wines and adhering to stricter quality standards. Only Priorat and La Rioja are DOCs.
The Priorat has a unique soil composition, predominantly slate (called llicorella) mixed with quartz, which gives the wines a distinctive mineral character. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and dry conditions that stress the vines, resulting in low yields but high-quality fruit. The mountain range creates a microclimate allowing for warm day temperatures to cool down at night, creating ideal conditions Garnacha and Carignan, and resulting in the robust red wines the region is famous for, with intense fruit flavours, deep colour, and a full-bodied profile, with mineral and herbal notes that reflect the terroir.
Grifoll Declara is a family-owned winery located in El Molar, Catalonia. The winery has a long history, with wine production in the family dating back to the 18th century, although the current family ownership began in 1880. Now in its fifth generation, Cellers Grifoll Declara produces red and white using organic and ecological practices. We chose Predicat as it showcases the rich flavours typical of the region, including dark fruits, Mediterranean herbs, and a hint of spice.
Predicat is 45% Grenache, 45% Carignan and 10% Merlot. The 35-year-old organic grapes are harvested by hand, fermented with native yeasts, and aged for nine months in French oak barrels.
Predicat is deep ruby with translucent edge, the nose is fresh with red and black fruit, spice , vanilla and herbal notes, and a hint mineral. The palette with smooth, soft tannins, medium acidity with distinct mineral undertone. Balanced overall with a lasting finish. Excellent value for money.
Delicious on its own, it would go well with beef, lamb and vension. We had it with a brown lentil stew,
92 Bruja points, 12.50EUR from https://atragos.com/ also available at Olivares, on Av. Juan Carlos I, Almuñécar.
(Feature: Wine)
Keywords: Priorat, Declara, D.O.C.Priorat, Grifoll Declara, Predicat
wine feature, priorat, declara, d.o.c.priorat, grifoll declara, predicat