Exploring Red Wines from Priorat

Today, the Spain’s Priorat wine growing region is one of two denominación de origen calificadas (DOCs), along with Rioja. The shale/slate soils, called llicorrella, force grapevines to seek out nutrients deep into the earth. Priorat red wine blends are common, using Garnacha Tinta and Samsó (Cariñena), producing high alcohol, deep, rich red wines with red fruit, black fruit, and spice. Here’s what you need to know.