Priorat is a flavorful, powerful, Spanish red from a small region just West of Barcelona. Pronounced PRE-or-ott, it’s an ancient wine growing region (12th century) that has recently been discovered by the wine world for its superior quality red wine.

 

Usually Priorat is a blend of Grenache, Carignon, Cabernet, with a dash of Syrah and Merlot. Known for deep, intense, dark cherry, licorice, and chocolate flavors.

 

Sadly, they can be very expensive due to the difficulty of production, i.e. steep hillside terraced vineyards, shy low yields, and geographically remote. There are some affordable options available in Scottsdale. Here are my recommendations:

 

2022 Black Slate: Named for their unique soils of the black slate and quartz.  Look for the village name of Porrera on this label. I love this rich, intense, textured wine with hints of licorice and dark cherry. A touch tannic, but not overly so. I usually decant this one at home to soften the wine. It’s one of those rare wines that tastes more expensive than it is. $24

 

2023 Camins del Priorat: This wine is pretty easy to spot on the retail shelf. This Priorat is beautifully packaged in a bright floral design. Youthful, deep purple color, yet ready to drink now. The Camins has forward fruit flavors, reminiscent of ripe raspberries and a touch of spice, enjoy. $28

 

 2023 GR174: I first found this wine at Costco?! I thought “an obscure Priorat at Costco?” I later saw it at the trendy (but also great) “Mission” restaurant in Scottsdale. Why? Simply because it’s a great, affordable Spanish red wine. Have you ever heard of a wine named after a foot path? GR174 is the name of the beautiful trail that crosses the Priorat. Lighter than the other wines in this group, cherry red in color, smooth yet a little rustic, sweet and spicy, very tasty. $20

 

2022 Les Terrasses:  opulent and energetic from vines over 50 years old – great depth, complexity, and a long finish – approachable now but has several years of aging potential. $48