It was an early start for us in Altafulla, getting on the bus at nine for a journey inland to the Perinet Winery in Priorat. Here we were given a tour by Carlota, she was engaging, informative and endlessly funny – many of us left with a much larger vocabulary for describing wine then we came with.
We hiked to the top of their vineyards where we were met with astonishing views of the acres of vineyards that they have, along with 300 million year old rock formations in the distance. Here we got to learn about the growing processes and the natural factors that effect the growing of the grapes.
We headed back down, on the way being pointed to a cliffside that perfectly represented the soil that the grapes grow in – shattered slate with vertical fissures containing very tiny amounts of soil, which the roots search for water within.
Then to the winery for a tour of the steel barrels where the first stage of the fermenting happens, Carlota was there to answer any questions we had and explain in detail the processes.
Then, with a dramatic lighting entrance, we were introduced to the barrel room. This room was vast, lit with moody lamps, giving in an aura of importance and high quality. Here we got to try wines straight from the barrels, poured from a pipette. They were interesting and had widely varied reactions.
Next, we ascended up to the tasting rooms where we were presented with a vast array of meats and cheeses, and we tasted the wines that we had tasted from the barrel, although this time with age on their side. It was great to taste how the ageing process really affects the flavour profiles of the wines, and how it can turn a wine you once weren’t interested in into a new favourite.
We were sad to leave Carlota and the Perinet Winery but lunch was calling, and we headed back to the coach to Terra Dominicata. This hotel and winery took good food very seriously, and we were presented with a six course lunch accompanied with their wines. The food was exquisite and we were spoiled with great hospitality, along with a beautiful setting where the hotel was located, it was the perfect afternoon.
We headed back in the coach to the hotel for a chill evening where everyone could do as they pleased, Altafulla has a beautiful beach on offer with seafront restaurants yards away from the hotel, so nobody went bored…. or hungry.
