Vinicola del Priorat, Mas Dels Frares, Spain

Description

Vinicola del Priorat, Mas Dels Frares, is a vibrant wine  region in Catalonia, north-eastern inland from Tarragona, Spain. Wine from this region are intense, full-bodied and bold. The classic Priorat wine is made from old vines such  Grenache and Carignan. The soil is is extremely important to make a good quality Priorat.

Due to the high temperature the region reaches in summer, the best vineyards are planted on infertile hillsides, north facing and facing east, this is very import, for the slow ripeness of the grapes to develop complexity, complex characteristics and phenolics compound, also to ensure the grapes avoid sunburn.

As the vineyards are planted around 500 metres above the sea level, the breeze from the Mediterranean which counteract the effect of the high temperatures.

The region’s  soil tiypically  llicorella, is the Catalan name for slate, a free-draining, nutrient-poor soil composed of slate and quartz.

Priorat, is known in the local Catalan as Priorato in Castilian. Its  name originated after the priory established in the hills above Tarragona by Carthusians who arrived from Provence in the 12th century.

Vinicola del Priorat is the only cooperative in Priorat, founded by 140 farmer-producers.

They work over 300 small plots of land on very steep slate slopes that can exceed 30% gradient. Some plots are over 100 years old, producing a very low yield per vine of only about a 1kg of grapes. Producing rich and ripe red fruits wines with concentrated aromas of licorice, tar and brandied cherries.

Mas Dels Frares, Vinicola del Priorat, is a  deep ruby and rich, with aromas of ripe fruits, blueberries and red plums followed by cedar and tobacco-leaf notes. Well-structured with lively acidity, firm tannins. Long finish with the oak notes and fruit flavours complement the harmonious and elegant balance

This deep ruby and rich wine, would be a perfect match for grilled red meat, stews, and matured cheeses.