|
Designation of Origin
The “Estatuto del Vino” (rule wine) promulgated in 1932 by the Ministry of Agriculture had already recognised the Priorat as wine zone to protect. The first regulation of the D.O.Q. Priorat was approved on the 23rd of July 1954. In those years the existence of the denomination of origin offered a few certain expectations to the zone, which was very punished by depopulation and crisis of the rural world. From the beginning the Regulatory Council head office was in the “Estació Enològica” situated in Reus. In 1999 the Regulatory Council moved to Torroja del Priorat. It made easier the administrative tasks and involved the sector directly.
In 2000, due to the great recognition of the quality and singularity of the D.O. Priorat wines, the Regulatory Council took the decision to apply to the Catalan Government for the “qualified wine region” distinction. The Catalan Department of Agriculture checked and finally approved the regulations of the new Denomination of Origin Priorat on the 18th of December, 2000.
Wines
Ageing red wines are produced from these grapes; they are full-bodied and have a high alcohol content (15-16%); with a large-framed bouquet and intense colour. Also white and rosé wines are made, among which the most remarkable ones are dry generous wines (also known as “rancios”) and sweet wines.
Red grape Mazuela is key to the Priorats nowadays. Also garnacha is grown, although in an inferior proportion. Vigorous red wines with a maroon colour, dense, intense flavour and very intense aroma are made from a wise mixture of these two varieties. Only some token white vines are grown, such as Garnacha, Macabeo and Pedro Ximénez.
 Geographical Situation
Priorat is craftwork and tradition: old, strong vines born and growing inland in Tarragona Province. It comprises around 800 ha, cultivated on steep hillsides and slate terraces, which are difficult to cultivate and not very fertile. The climate in this area is temperate and dry, cooler than on the Tarragona coast.
Ageing
Wines undergoing ageing shall conform to the following rules: vintage red wines, at least two years, one of which in oak container; rancio wines, at least four years in oak container.
Vintage rating
Excel·lents: 1995 | 1998 | 2000 | 2001 | 2004 | 2005 | 2009
Molt bones: 1996 | 1999 | 2003 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008
Bones: 1997 | 2002
Website: D.O. Priorat
Enoturism: http://www.turismepriorat.org/es/que-hacer/ruta-de-las-bodegas/
|