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Priorat (Priorato) is one of the most dynamic wine regions of Spain. Contained within the autonomous community of Catalonia, it is located inland from Tarragona and is almost entirely surrounded by the Montsant DO (Denominación de Origen). The region's stature as a quality wine producer is demonstrated by the fact that in 2000 it was awarded the highest designation of DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada). Rioja is the only other region to have been accorded this status. Priorat DOCa is a red wine made from predominantly Garnacha grapes, sometimes with the addition of Cariñena.
Many factors contribute to the region's reputation as a quality wine producer. First and foremost is the unique terroir, which combines the poor Llicorella soil (a mix of black slate and quartz) with a range of mesoclimates created by the sheltering influence of the nearby mountain ranges. In the steep, terraced vineyards located at high altitudes, the vines must penetrate deep into the soil to gather nutrients and water, resulting in extremely low yields with high extracts – a reason why the wines of Priorat display admirable concentration, body and intensity. The vineyards' elevation ensures that the grapes receive prodigious amounts of Mediterranean sun, while the the Llicorella soil imparts distinct mineral notes.
A second reason for Priorat's high reputation is that its potential as a high-quality wine region has created interest both in Spain and abroad since the 1970s. As a result, it is now home to a number of world-class estates. Individual prdoucers such as René Barbier (Clos Mogador), Álvaro Palacios (L'Ermita), Carlos Pastrana (Clos de L'Obac), José Luis Pérez (Clos Martinet) and Daphne Glorian (Clos Erasmus) have helped to put Priorat on the world wine map.
The principal grape varieties grown here continue to be Garnacha and Cariñena. However, there have been successful experiments with international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
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