Priorat/Tarragona

The DOCa of Priorat is located within the larger Tarragona DO in the southern part of Spain’s Catalonia region. Priorat and Rioja are the only two areas to receive Spain's highest wine designation, DOCa. Because the region is mountainous, the vineyards are terraced, clinging to steep hillsides. The land produces low yields, which allows Priorat winemakers to create intense, full-flavored, full-bodied wines that have received critical acclaim and significant international attention. Most of the wines are red, made often from Garnacha and Cariñena, which were integral in Priorat's early success. A small amount of white wine is made from Garnacha Blanca (Grenache), Macabeo and Pedro Ximénez [PEH-droh hee-MEH-nihs].