Torres Salmos Priorat DOQ Syrah Cariñena Garnacha 2016

Located in Catalunya (Catalonia), Priorat is one of only two wine regions in Spain to qualify as DOCa, the highest qualification level for a wine region according to Spanish wine regulations, alongside Rioja DOCa. The region was first a DO appellation in 1954, then elevated to what it is now by 2003.

The region has valleys of the rivers Siurana and Montsant. The vineyards are planted on the slopes on terraces at altitudes of between 100 metres and 700 metres above sea level. Priorat is almost entirely surrounded by the DO Montsant, which makes wine in a similar style. The demarcated zone has a total size of 19 783 hectares, but currently only over two thousand hectares are planted. Most of the planted areas experience seasonal drought, annual rainfall rarely exceeds 600mm.

The Priorat DOQ is formed around 12 towns: Bellmunt del Priorat, Gratallops, el Lloar, la Morera de Montsant, Porrera, Poboleda, Scala Dei, Torroja del Priorat, la Vilella Alta and la Vilella Baixa, and the grape growing zones of Masos de Falset and Solanes del Molar. Altogether, there are currently 109 producers that are eligible of producing Priorat.

The vineyards that the wine ‘Salmos’  came from, planted on slopes of shale (locally known as “licorella” stone), undergo extreme changes in temperature between day and night and these natural vicissitudes add to the wine’s appeal. Salmos is a tribute to the Carthusian monks who planted the first grapevines in the Priorat. The wine holds the mysterious legacy of ancient times and wise men.

Under the vines, the shallow soils developed over Carboniferous (Paleozoic) slates that drain swiftly and have a low water holding capacity. It is precisely these soils, located on steep slopes, that give Priorat wines their typicity. The harvested fruits are a mix of Syrah, Garnacha and Cariñena, they experience between 12 and 14 days on skin, and fermentation temperature tightly controlled to below 25℃. Then ageing took place in French oak for 14 months, 20% barrels are made of new oak.

The wine currently has brilliant ruby red color with garnet highlights. Astounding floral (confected rose) and fruit (black cherry) aroma with aromatic herbs (thyme) coming through. Lively and light-bodied on the palate, full of personality, well structured with pleasant tannins and a streak of acidity that promises a good future. The wine would easily age and improve over a decade if stored properly.