Articles

Velles Vinyes: DOQ Priorat releases the most stringent “old vines” definition in Spain & maybe the world

by  |  30-05-2019

When I first started getting into wine, if it said “Old Vines” on the label I would usually buy it. Being Californian, Zinfandel had a regular spot in my shopping cart but this grew to... more »

The release of the “Paratge”. DOQ Priorat’s newest step up the Burgundian pyramid

by  |  13-05-2019

Go and stand outside for a second. All that scenery you can see in front of you with your naked eye would be what is called in Catalan a, paratge and this week, the DOQ... more »

The Mas Doix – Lede Family partnership

by  |  28-03-2019

In Priorat, you hear a great deal but often know very little. This was shown no better than hearing changes were afoot last year with Mas Doix in the village Poboleda but not really knowing... more »

Let’s talk about ’16 and Álvaro Palacios

by  |  25-03-2019

A decade ago, despite living just an hour away in San Francisco, my visits to Napa Valley were readily-dwindling in regularity as tourism was then and is now, out of control. But in a nearly-final... more »

Blind tasting and finding typicity in DOQ Priorat

by  |  07-03-2019

What do you call a group of blind wine tasters? A “fool”, a group of blind wine tasters is called a fool. I am an itinerant member of one such fool in Barcelona and the... more »

Priorat continues trying to reclaim the Siurana River

by  |  12-02-2019

Each and every river begins with a single drop of water. It may not be apparent when looking at such mighty torrents as the Amazon or Congo, but somewhere, deep in a far-flung hinterland, one... more »

How to visit the Priorat wine region

by  |  27-01-2019 ~ 4 Comments

Despite the fact that I travel a lot for writing about wine, when I'm around in Priorat, I'm happy to lead tastings and tours. Sharing such great wines and opening up minds to how much... more »

Mas Doix goes Blanc

by  |  14-01-2019

It’s no secret that I love the wines produced in DOQ Priorat to no end. But, there are good producers and then there are those who reach that “moreish” level of enjoyment of which, Mas... more »

A heretic is born: Cellers de Scala Dei – l’Heretge 2016

by  |  16-10-2018

According to all facts and figures available, the Grenache grape is what dominates the vineyards and production in DOQ Priorat, standing at 39% of the total as of 2017. It used to be a bit... more »

The newest Vi de Finca wines are from Mas d’en Gil

by  |  08-10-2018

The two newest “Vi de Finca” wines in Catalunya that have been announced are in DOQ Priroat and from Mas d’en Gil. Named, Coma Blanca and Clos Fontà they have been fittingly timed with the... more »