The DOC Priorat lies slightly south and inland from Tarragona and is one of only 2 wine regions in Spain (the other being Rioja) that Qualify as a DOC (Denominació d’Origen Calificada), the highest qualification for a wine region according to Spanish wine regulations, awarded to regions with the potential to make unique and exceptional wines. It primarily produces powerful reds which came to international attention in the 1990s. The area is characterized by its unusual terroir of black slate and quarts soil, known locally as llicorella.
Montsant think of it as a fried egg with the yolk being the Priorat and the white the Montsant. The Montsant is actually the youngest DO in Spain, only recognized as a region in its own right in 2002. Full of great young producers who are really establishing a reputation for fantastic, affordable younger wines.
La Emporda wine region lies 100km north of Barcelona, right on the border with France and is recognised the oldest wine region in Spain due to the fact the Greeks first settles here in 575 BC and are known to have produced wine . The vineyards run from the foothills of the Pyrenees right down to the famous Costa Brava (rocky coast). Whilst the region may not have grabbed the headlines in the way that the Priorat has it is nonetheless an extremely interested and more than anything varied region. There is an exceptionally wide range of wines and grape types grown here, producing some excellent wines of all colours including some very good sparkling and sweet wines. A very interesting and overlooked region with a stunning backdrop.
So what!? Whichever holiday you’re interested in the format is the same, you will visit a range of interesting and quality producers, some small, some large. Guided tours of the cellar and sometimes the vineyard will always be followed by tasting a range of the producers finest wines.
Over the course of the week I am confident you will learn a lot about the process of wine making from the vine to the glass, explained to you directly by the people that live this life. Needless to say you will also be drinking plenty of lovely quality wines!
