I would like to introduce a wine from another of my favorite, though perhaps lesser known, regions – Priorat. 

This region, located in Catalonia, Spain, is characterized by rugged terrain, steep slopes, and mineral rich slate-like soils (Llicorella). The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool evenings, creating a temperature variation that contributes to the complex flavors of these wines. The terroir and climate together produce wines with bold, concentrated flavors, deep color, and a distinctive mineral character, though yields tend to be low. 

The primary grape varieties in Priorat are Garnacha (Grenache) and Carignan, though some other varieties are also permitted.  The resultant wines display ripe fruit flavors, minerality, and slight spiciness.  They have great aging potential; the tannins are firm and structured, allowing the wines to age gracefully and take on additional complexity over time.

The bottle I opened is 2018 Black Slate Gratallops.  Celler Cecilio is located in Gratallops, in the heart of Priorat; it is a family estate, dedicated to making and bottling wine since 1942. It was founded by Cecilio Vicent, father of the current owner and winemaker, August. This Priorat wine is a blend of Garnacha, Carignan, and Syrah.  It has a rich purple color; on the nose, one gets earth, leather, blackberry, and vanilla.  On the palate, it provides a bright taste of dark fruit – primarily blackberries and black cherries – and minerals.  This wonderful Priorat is characteristically bold with crisp acidity, dry, and somewhat tannic.   It pairs excellently with game and other red meat and is a great value for the price.