Wine Spectator Highly Recommended 95pt Priorat

Merum Priorati 'Desti' Priorat 2018

Rated 95 Points by the Wine Spectator

Translating to Purity of the Priorat, Merum Priorati strives to be just that - making wines that express the special land and terroir that is the Priorat winegrowing region of Spain. Priorat is known for its rugged terrain. Instead of vineyards being measured in hectares, they are measured in number of vines planted, becuase of the terracing of the land and vineyards planted on steep mountainsides. For example, Merum Priorati has 103 hectares of land, though only 29 hectares are planted with grape vines. The soil is not what you'd expect either. Instead of anything resembling dirt, the land here is a carpet of black slate called Licorella. 

Merum Priorati works with five grape varieties that thrive on their estate: Garnacha, Carinena, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. All wines are hand-made, and therefore showcase the beauty of the region within each bottle. Intense, serious and complex, though not polished. After spending 18 months on oak, Merum Priorati's Desti bottling rests in the bottle before being released for sale. Although this wine is approachable now, it is truly one that you can watch evolve over the years to come. 

Rated 95 Points by the Wine Spectator & Highly Recommended - "Refined and elegant, this concentrated red shows cherry, violet and anise notes, with expressive mineral undertones that give it finesse. Elements of mountain herb and spice echo through the finish. Grenache, Carignan and Syrah. Drink now through 2033."

Tasting notes from the Importer - "Intense dark-cherry red in colour with a garnet rim. Complex on the nose with aromatic notes of red fruit, especially raspberries and redcurrants, spicy tones and a backdrop of cassis. It gives a balsamic taste across the palate, with hints of sloe and pomegranate. Elegant and silky, it is well balanced with sweet, rounded tannins that lead to a smooth, lingering finish. The perfect match for wood-fired roasted turbot with potato gratin, cured ham, also ideal for accompanying grilled red meats."

This vintage is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Carignan and 10% Syrah - a similar blend that you will see in many Rhone Valley wines including Chateauneuf du Pape and all of the Cotes du Rhone and their Villages. A fun compare and contrast to see what effects different terroir will have on a finished wine. 

Cheers! 

Tracy Maxon

tracy@varmax.com