I have a huge soft spot for Priorat. I spent nearly 2 weeks there in 2017 and fell in love with the place. From buying the cheapest bottle of red at Gratallops bottle shop to a personal and intimate tasting at Terrior Al Limit. The towns are tiny, almost abandoned and full of amazing people making the region strong in wine again. Anyways, I bought this personally recently and just wanted to share on the site as it sits outside the usual ranks of the wines I’m fortunate enough to review. From Cellers Scala Dei, one of the first Priorat wineries. Unoaked and a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (15%), Shiraz (25%) and Grenache (60%).

Cellers de Scala Dei, El Tribut, Priorat, 2021

Deep garnet. Inky black fruit with minerally tinged asphalt, tomato sugo, plums, pepper and a meaty depth. Plenty of dark red fruit on offer with firm and well knitted tannins. Savoury road base edges and some surprising acidity that lifts and carries. The rustic herb profile ensures you’re transported back to a hilltop village overlooking terraced vineyards, with their Licorella sparkling in the late autumn sun.

RRP: $35AU (ish)
Alc: 13.5%
Rating:  92/100 (maybe a point for romantic memories, but why not)

Wine self purchased from Joseph Burton Wines but you can visit Scala Dei here