Priorat DOQ

Question 1

What is the history of the Priorat DOQ

Answer 1

• planted by Carthusian Monks in 12th century
• Last few decades have brought on international recognition
• Accessability, challenging topography, weather extremes have made Priorat viticulture difficult.
• Phylloxera and growth of textile industry lead to abandoned vineyards
• Wines produced by local co-op and a couple of estates
• Rene Barbier formed small group of viticulturalists and winemakers to re-invigorate vineyards, producing blends of * Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot with Garnacha and Carinena, maturing in French oak
• Mid-1990s brought critical acclaim and premium to super-premium prices.
• Increase to 114 wineries in 2021
• 2009; Priorat became a DOQ

Question 2

Describe the Climate of Priorat DOQ

Answer 2

• warm continental
• Protected from cold winds by Serra de Montsant in the north and mediterranean influence by Serra de Llaberia to the south.
• Hot summers, high diurnal range with cool nights
• Cold winters, spring frost can be a problem
• 500-600mm rainfall; mainly in storms in winter / spring
• Irrigation permitted in driest of years and establishing new vineyards

Question 3

Describe the topography of Priorat DOQ

Answer 3

• River Siurana runs through the region, valleys carved by it and many tributaries.
• Broad range of altitudes and aspects; 100-750m
• Over 17,600ha area permitted but only 2000ha planted to vines, as its very rugged.

Question 4

Describe the vineyards in Priorat DOQ

Answer 4

• Planted on slopes, gradient of 5 - 60 percent; known as costers
• Narrow terraces common to reduce soil erosion and allow rainwater to infiltrate soil.
• Hand harvesting is most common

Question 5

What are the soils in Priorat DOQ

Answer 5

• Soils vary, bar largely poor and stony
• Slate based most common, known as llicorella; thin, rocky and lack nutrients
• Particles of mica reflect light and heat back on vines to aid ripening.
• Slate bedrock splits vertically allowing rootzone to search for deep water.

Question 6

Describe the influence of the soils on the vines in Priorat DOQ

Answer 6

• Low nutrient + low water = low yeild
• Exasrbated by the low density bushvines in the area
• Newer vineyards often VSP trellised
• Average yeild = 5-6 hL/ha (max yeild is 39 hL/ha
• Low yeild + high production cost + high priced wines

Question 7

What are the traditional local grape varieties of Priorat DOQ

Answer 7

• Garnacha (37 per cent ha planted)
• Carinena (27 percent ha planted)
• Both suit the harsh conditions and can handle the warmest sites

Question 8

Describe the non traditional varieties of the Priorat DOQ

Answer 8

• Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah & Merlot; make up most remaining non traditional plantings
• Popularity decreasing; some producers only use Garnacha & Carinena

Question 9

Decribe the white grape varieties in the Priorat DOQ

Answer 9

• Garnacha Blanca & Macabeo
• 7% of plantings, make a small amount of white wine

Question 10

Describe the winemaking in Priorat DOQ

Answer 10

• Traditional; old basket presses & large oak fermentation
• Modern; Stainless steel tanks & optical sorting machines.
• Cultured yeasts often used as ambient yeasts are slow due to high levels of potential abv
• Red wines typically matured in French oak fro 1-2 years
• Quality focussed winemakers are typically aime for freshness and acidity
• Not uncommon for 14.%5 abv and higher due to warm temperatures
• Very good & Outstanding wines balanced by ripe and concentrated flavours with medium + acidity for freshness

Question 11

What are the 4 classifactions on where Priorat DOQ grapes are grown

Answer 11

• Vi de Vila: One of the 12 sub-zones. Subzone and ‘Vi de Vila’ must be on the label
• Vi de Paratge: Namesd site, equivalent to a diet dit in France. 459 Paratges.
• Vinya Classificada; Single vineyard in a Paratge; cru equvalent
• Gran Vinya Classificada; exeptional vineyard in a paratge; Grand Cru equivalent

Question 12

Describe the rules around the 4 classification levels in the Priorat DOQ

Answer 12

• Producers must own the vineyard or have rented the vineyard for minimum 7 years before qualification
• Each have own regulations on minimum Garnacha & Carinena in the blend, vine age & max yeild.
• Vinya & Gran Vinya Classificada must have critical recognition over a minimum 5 years.

Question 13

How old must Priorat DOQ vines be to be ‘old vines’

Answer 13

75 years or planted before 1945