Cal Batllet 5 Partides Gratallops Priorat DOQ 2009

Priorat is hot and dry wine producing region in Spain.

It is known for its red wine with deep colour, high tannin, high alcohol and concentrated black fruit notes made from old vine Garnacha and Carignan.

Vines are grown on poor soils on steep slopes, where mechanization is impossible.

Yields are extremely low due to its dry weather, nutrient poor soils and old age of vines, which contribute to concentrated fruit.

With these factors, and probably with marketing strategy, wines from Priorat are usually pricey.

So we don't drink Priorat often but this was recommended at a Spanish deli.

Cal Batllet 5 Partides Gratallops Priorat DOQ 2009

Wine from Priorat. Grapes are 100% Carignan.

This wine is about $50.00.
Relatively reasonable for Priorat so I didn't have high expectation, but it was really good!

Layers of violet, lavender, fresh black cherry, boysenberry jam, cooked plum, vanilla and chocolate.

Finish is long and fruit flavor stays pleasant.

Rich fruit and high tannin are well balanced.

Acid and herb add a hint of freshness to rich, concentrated fruit.

We of course had this wine with Spanish food. Frittata.

Alcohol could be too high as food wine (15%), but still good pairing.