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Priorat rocks: Geology you can taste
The Rocky Slate Landscape in Priorat
Too much terroir talk is of rainfall, heat-degree days, angles of slope, fogs and breezes. Oughta be more on terra that underlies it all, dirt and rocks. Don’t say soil; unlike most farmers grape growers never brag about fertile ground. They love to pick up big rocks and boast of granite or clay. The harder the vines work, the richer the grape. No grapes work harder than those in Priorat, small rocky terrain between Barcelona and the coast, so dusty and rugged Clint Eastwood could have made Catalan Westerns in the boulders. It’s hard to navigate a car or tractor but rugged grape vines have fought through stacks and stacks of solid slate and schist for centuries to find water. When they do, the Grenache and especially the Carinena (Carignane, but don’t tell the snobs) make rich juice with a distinctly slaty character. Great stuff as B-21 explorers found this February once they got past Rioja and Ribera. Tiny Priorat is the next big thing and already one of the most dear because of the difficult growing and farming and low yields . The texture and taste isn’t quite blackboard, more like the licorice of childhood, black and long lasting, both smooth and chewy. Exhibit No. 1 was the 2006 Mas Doix Doix ($109.99), a grand mountain ram of a wine, bold, elegant and gamy, red and black berries pressed almost to membrillo paste, earthy and candied. Half carinena, it makes Sr. Parker swoon with memory of grand cru Burgundy and a number like… 97. The more affordable Salanques (the 2006 is only $29.99) was more Rhonish and longer on Grenache but you still taste the rocks and the sap of the old vines, lots of berries, full and happy in the mouth with a sleek finish. Priorat’s brimming with small exquisitely rugged vineyards today, and B-21 has two dozen not including the grand Mas Alta range (formerly known as Mas Romani).
2007 Black Slate Priorat - Reg 19.99 (On Sale Now - $17.99) for a limited time!
Yet you can start your climb more easily with the 2007 Black Slate, a new “village Priorat” from Porrera at $17.99. This is still rich drinking, old vines with blue-black berries, dense and almost sweet. At all levels, Priorat is not tinto for tapas; slaughter the fatted calf, bring in the young lamb and the oldest ham. Priorat is also at the heart and start of our trusted European Cellars of Eric Solomon. The ancient rocks and vines there were revitalized by a Gang of Five smart Spanish winemakers 20 years ago. One of them Daphne Glorian, introduced Eric Solomon to Priorat with her Clos Erasmus and eventually married him.
- Chris Sherman, The Blogging Nibbler
2007 Bodegas Atalaya (Almansa, Spain)
2007 Bodegas Atalaya (Almansa) - 12.99
“Juan Gil is one of my favorite wineries, so when I heard they were in cahoots with the King of Spanish Wine, Mr. Jorge Ordonez, I knew only good things could come of it. This project in its very inception is already turning heads (91WA, 90ST) with the 2007 (their first vintage). Made mainly of Monastrell and Garnacha, Atalaya is a big red wine full of depth and complexity yet smooth and readily approachable. On the nose I get black fruits, spice and a little smoke. On the palate it is full-bodied and rich. It should pair perfectly with red meats be it a grilled filet or a juicy burger. This is a wine to watch!”
90 Points, Summer Martin
Staff Selection, March 2010
2007 Black Slate (Priorat, Spain)
2007 Black Slate (17.99 on sale) - 91 Points, The Wine Advocate
“New Spanish wines are popping up every day, each of them flaunting a score over 90 points and flashing a fancy new label. What makes the 2007 Black Slate different, is simple. It has pedigree. This isn’t the brain child of an unexperienced businessman trying to start a winery with wikipedia’s guide to viticulture. Winemaker Joan Sangenis was born and raised in Porerra, a tiny village in Priorat. His family has been making wine for 200 years. Joan himself got hands on experience at the bodegas of Alvaro Palacios and René Barbier. In 1996 he jumped at the chance to renovate his parent’s old bodega and begin “Celler Cal Pla” also known for their Mas d’en Compte wines that have achieved high Parker praise. With vines 60-100 years of age, this new project is the inspiration of Burgundian nomenclature, hence the reference to it being a village appellation on the label. It is hard enough to find a wine from Priorat under $40 much less under $20.”
90 Points, Summer Martin
February 2010
Come one come all to the best Pre-Game Party Around!
I am so stoked about our Wines of Spain Grand Tasting and Sale! It truly will be the best Superbowl Tailgating Party in Tampa Bay. With seminars starting as early as 12:00 noon, the afternoon will be filled with a ton of great Spanish wine from Priorat to Ribera del Duero to Rioja and on and on. Wines from Vega Sicilia, Muga, Emilo Moro, Mas Doix, Alto Moncayo, El Nido and Numanthia to name a few.
Did I forget to mention that Juan Muga, Proprietor of Bodegas Muga will be in the house? So will David Espinar, the Winery Director of Emilio Moro. They will be here in person signing bottles.
Top top it all off, we will be tasting more portugal wines and ports than we’ve ever had available to taste before. Yes, even ports from the amazing 2007 vintage which Wine Spectator has said is “A Classic Year” and been praised by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Jancis Robinson, and more.
The grand tasting begins at 2:00pm with seminars starting as early as 12:00pm. And for those of you who are worried about getting back before the Big Game, no worries the events end at 5pm with plenty of time to get back for the big game.
Check out these Seminars:
12pm-12:45: The Schistes Show with Anthony Pannone of European Cellars (Priorat wines)
1pm-1:45pm: La Rioja with Juan Muga of Bodegas Muga - SOLD OUT!!!
2pm-2:45pm: Ribera del Duero with David Espinar of Emilio Moro
3pm-3:45pm: Amazing old ports from Gould Campbell (1980, 1983, 1985, & 1994 vintages)
Sign up today! Time is running out!
Click here to make a reservation.
B-21 Hosts a Wine Dinner at Currents
Currents Restaurant in Tarpon Springs
We are excited to be hosting a wine dinner at Currents Restaurant in Tarpon Springs on February 8th with Proprietor Juan Muga of Bodegas Muga and David Espinar, the Winery Director for Bodegas Emilio Moro. Currents is a restaurant that recently opened here in Tarpon Springs and has become a hometown favorite. Laura Riley, food critic for the St. Pete Times has been by to visit and wrote a glowing review. (Click here to read Currents review in the Times.)
Unfortunately, the wine dinner was sold out within 2 weeks of announcing it! But, no worries, you can catch up with the winemakers the day before on Sunday, February 7th from 2pm – 5pm at our Annual Wines of Spain & Portugal Grand Tasting & Sale! Both Juan Muga and David Espinar will be here to share their wines and sign bottles, plus you’ll have the chance to taste from 75-100 wines from Spain and Portugal (yes even some of those amazing 2007 Ports!) This is an event you don’t want to miss! (And men no worries, its over in plenty of time to get home and watch the big game!)
The tasting also includes entrance to 1 seminar (if you want to taste in a smaller seated setting). But signup soon! Seats are filling up fast and it is first come first server on reservations.
Its only $25 in advance ($30 at the door if space available) Click here to make a reservation.
For more on this event or to see pictures from previous tastings click here.
- Summer Martin
You say rioja, I say ribera: Muga or Moro… Taste the best of both in Tarpon
Spain is the home of great modern reds and the most delicious new debate: Grand old Rioja and the brave new (to us) Ribera del Duero. It’s better than Burgundy v. Bordeaux, and we’ll have great exponents of each in the flesh and in the bottle in Tarpon next month.
From the Ribera, Emilio Moro’s David Espinar will be here to talk about a place where innovation never quits and the latest super-Riberos, Cepa 21 and the lush Mallelous (why call them Crianzas or gran reservas). In the Rioja corner, none other than Juan Muga of Bodegas Muga, who embodies the greatest Rioja traditions as well as modern techniques in Rioja winemaking. They include the bright new Torre Muga and the just released 2005 Aro showpiece, a must for any Spanish cellar.
They’ll pour these fineries in a three-flight dinner at Currents restaurant in Tarpon Springs, unfortunately now sold out… but thats ok! Because both Muga and Moro will be in attendance on Sunday, February 7th at B-21’s Wines of Spain & Portugal Grand Tasting and Sale from 2pm-5pm for another of B-21’s famous afternoons of seminars, tasting and learning. I call it the “immersion method.”
This grand tasting will cover the whole Iberian peninsula from the Douro (the Portuguese end of the Duero) to the slatey hillsides of Priorat, thanks to special guests from top importers.
Port – Get in on the wines of Gould Campbell, a small distinctive port house, presented by Bob Bulifant from Stacole.
Priorat– Enjoy that Schistes Show from the high schist/slate vineyard of Catalaonia’s remote Priorat, as explored by Eric Solomon. Anthony Pannone will teach Geology 101.
To attend the tasting (and 1 seminar) the price is $25 per person. The seminars begin at 12pm and the Grand Tasting is 2pm to 5pm. To attend a seminar you must sign up for a seminar ahead of time.
The glory that is Spain will not be at the same table anywhere near you again.
Click here for more details about this event.
Click here to make a reservation.
2007 Mestizaje (El Terrerazo, Spain)
2007 Mestizaje ($13.99 or 12.59 by the case!)
On a daily basis I have to tell my 4 year-old, “Try it, you might like it.” Why are we so hesitant to try new things? If you don’t try new wines you’ll never know if you like them. The Bobal grape was originally produced for bulk wines for its rich color and acidity. Known as the “Black Sheep” of Spanish grapes, it’s been underappreciated for the quality of wine it truly could produce. Finally, wineries like Bodegas Mustiguillo are giving Bobal serious attention and producing some outstanding wine. The 2007 Mestizaje is exactly what the name suggests, “a mix of European” grapes with 70% Bobal and the rest Tempranillo, Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is smooth and
complex with layers of dark fruits, blackberries and dark chocolate and spice. It’d be great with burgers or steak. For those of you who liked the 2006 Mestizaje, you’ll love the 2007. For those of you who weren’t sure, or haven’t tried it, I urge you to step out of your box. You may just realize you love it! “Don’t be a Boba (Eng. – dunce), try Mestizaje.
90 Points, Summer Martin
January 2010
Top 100 Wine: 2006 Mas Doix Salanques
2006 Mas Doix Salanques was #53 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2009 (34.99)
Coming in at #53 is Spain’s 2006 Salanques by Mas Doix. The Doix family has been making wine for 5 generations in Priorat where the vineyards of Mas Doix represent Priorat at its best, with slate soils and very old vines. Salanques is a “mini” Mas Doix and has always been a favorite of mine. It is an awesome blend of of Grenache that will please many of you Rhone Rangers out there. ¡Feliz Navidad!
Check out Wine Spectator’s review:
”A plush texture carries rich flavors of brandied cherry, dark chocolate, cocoa and mountain herbs in this expressive red. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, and the finish is bright and juicy. Drink now through 2014.” 92 Points, The Wine Spectator
Not only does Spectator think its great, but Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate rated it 93 Points. Top 100 Wines are a great way to kickoff the new year. Cheers!
#53 on Top 100 Just Arrived – 2006 Mas Doix Salanques (Priorat)
2006 Mas Doix Salanques (Priorat) - $34.99
The 2006 Mas Doix Salanques is being unloaded as I type this blog, and should be showing in stock as soon as I hit “post”. This is exciting news, because it means one of my favorite wines will be here before Christmas! Mas Doix Salanques has long been a favorite of mine (and an affordable alternative to their big brother Mas Doix).
A little history behind Doix (by the way this is pronounced Doh-E-ch): The Doix family has been making wine for 5 generations in Priorat where the vineyards of Mas Doix represent Priorat at its best, with slate soils and very old vines. Salanques is a “mini” Mas Doix and an awesome blend of of Grenache that will please many of you Rhone Rangers out there. Its the first year it has made it into the Top 100 List, but its time was definitely due. At #53 on the list, this is a great present for that Spanish wine lover in your life. ¡Feliz Navidad!
PS – The 2005 vintage of Mas Doix Salanques is on sale right now for 25% off! (Only $22.49!)
Spain loves bubbly too!
Cristalino Brut Cava
Great bubbly doesn’t always have to come from France! Its Spanish neighbor offers many great sparkling wines that are affordable bubblies for entertaining during the holidays. It’s always good to have a bubbly on hand. If your holidays are anything like mine, you will find your doorbell ringing and a group of unexpected relatives trampling in wiping their shoes on your brand new rug. (Unless of course you hide your car down the street, making it appear as though you are not home. Though, I wouldn’t know anything about that of course!) These types of situations call for a good inexpensive bubbly to pop and ensure that your in-laws have a great time, and you don’t pull your hair out (or theirs)!
- Summer, B-21’s Spain Advocate
Here are three of my favorites Spanish Sparklers:
Cristalino Brut Cava 91W&S – $7.99 (on for $6.99 this month)
This is a no brainer. It’s on sale this month for $6.99. You can’t beat the price and it’s an awesome bubbly. You can’t find this kind of quality in a California sparkler for less than $10. (90SM)
Me toasting with Maite Esteve of Marques de Gelida.
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Cava 90W&S – $7.99 ($7.19 btc)
This is a great bargain from Spain with scents of honey and apple, crisp, floral and creamy. (89SM)
This fall I had the chance to taste through the Marques de Gelida wines with Maite Esteve, one of the owners of Marques de Gelida. This was my favorite of her bubblies, very crisp and light. (90+SM)