DOQ Priorat is a small, steep appellation located in Cataluña, Spain, about 90 miles south along the Mediterranean coast from the capital city of Barcelona. It extends south from the foot of the Montsant mountains and is virtually surrounded by mountains on all sides, protecting the region from strong, drying winds (Cierzo) that whip through the area. The Siurana River bisects the region.
The soils make this region truly unique: llicorella, which is a quartz-rich blue slate that fragments easily, sitting above bedrock. Roots struggle to find water and nutrients, leading to very low yields of small, concentrated berries that show rich fruit, minerality, and elegance. The region is known for red blends made primarily of Garnacha and Cariñena, often blended with smaller percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and/or Merlot.