Priorat was our destination for day 2 of our tour. As one of two DOCa regions in Spain (along with Rioja) this small region has been propelled into super star status over the past forty years and the top wines command very high prices. It is a wonderful drive. The scenery is stunning as you head inland from Altafulla and the roads twist and turn up to 800 metres.
Our frst stop was Perinet winery. Originally owned by a French family over three hundred years ago, American owners bought the land in 2014 and have invested heavily in the vineyards and the winery. The wonderful Carlota hosted our visit with her characteristic passion and enthusiasm. Three hours sailed by as we took a walk in the vineyards, discovered the significance of south and north facing aspect through tasting from the barrel and tasted through a superb selection of wines in their tasting room. It was an extremely instructive morning as Carlota explained the nuances of the different zones of Priorat and we quickly realised why Priorat prices can be so high with yields sometimes as low as 5 hectolitres per hectare! The opportunity to taste an amazing 2019 vintage that was still in barrel in 2026 was a privilege!
From Perinet, it was just a twenty minute drive to Terra Dominicata – a superb hotel and small winery where we settled in for lunch. We drank an excellent Macabeo white, Garnacha Rosado and Priorat 2018 red from magnum. Delicious salads, a quails egg, mushroom and truffle concoction, roast cod and fillet of beef, rounding off with an unctuous chocolate dessert.
