Grenache based red from the legendary Priorat - rich with ripe red fruits and power

Grenache (spanish Garnacha) was until recently reviled or at best ignored in much of the world, but it is the grape chiefly responsible for two of the world's most celebrated reds, Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Priorat.

Priorat, one of Spains most inspiring red wines, is made in an isolated zone in Catalunya inland from Tarragona that is one of the countrys only two to qualify as a DOCA.

Vinicola del Priorat is the only cooperative in Priorat, founded by 140 farmer-producers based in the four beautiful villages of El Lloar, La Vilella Baixa, La Vilella Alta and Gratallop. 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. Mas dels Frares offers fantastic value

Grenache and Carignan vines are from 40 year old terraces and the Merlot and Cabernet from 30 year old terraces. All of the grapes are collected in parcels of land in Gratallops, El Lloar, La Vilella Baixa and La Vilella Alta. The handpicked grapes are put through fermentation in stainless steel tanks, and elaborated with a 15% blend of aged wine in French oak barrels for one year.

Tasting Note: Deep ruby appearance. The nose shows incredible richness despite still being fairly closed. Ripe fruits like blueberries and red plums against a background of cedar and tobacco-leaf notes from the oak. Well-structured with lively acidity, grippy high quality tannins, salinity and smoothing alcohol, ending in a long finish in which oak and fruit continue in excellent balance.

Critics:

Grenache 35% Carignan 30% Others 35%

ABV15%

Vegetarian

Vegan