Priorat was our destination for day 2 of our tour. This small region has been propelled into global stardom over the past thirty years and the top wines command very high prices. The scenery is stunning as you head inland from Altafulla and the roads twist and turn up to 800 metres. First stop was Perinet winery.

A bodega was first set up here by a French family over three hundred years ago, but 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!

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 and Garnacha red – both from Priosat of course. Delicious salads, a Bacalao cream, roasted vegetables, risotto and beef took us nicely to a very relaxed afternoon.

In the evening we were able to enjoy Altafulla at leisure.