Two red wines from Priorat, which deserve to be seen and tasted taking into account their origin and grape varieties.
Here is our description of the important aspects that we highlight about these two Priorat towns.
1. Location and Terroir
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Vilella Alta : Located at a higher altitude, its vineyards benefit from a cooler climate and predominantly licorella (slate) soils. This contributes to good acidity and slower ripening of the fruit, which can result in more elegant wines.
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Gratallops : Located at slightly lower altitudes, it has a mix of slate and clay soils. The climate is warmer, allowing for a more complete ripening of the grapes and the production of more powerful wines.
2. Grape varieties
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Vilella Alta : Often focuses on indigenous varieties such as Garnacha and Samsó (Carinyena), which adapt well to the terroir conditions and allow for a fresher, fruitier expression.
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Gratallops : Grenache and Carignan are also used here, but the wines more often include other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which can provide greater complexity and structure.
3. Wine Style
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Vilella Alta : The wines tend to be more elegant and subtle, with refreshing acidity and an aromatic profile that stands out for its freshness and minerality. They tend to have a more floral and fruity expression.
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Gratallops : Gratallops wines are generally more robust and full-bodied, often with more structure and a more intense character. The influence of barrel aging can be more pronounced, bringing spicy and toasty notes.
4. Aromatic Profile
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Vilella Alta : More delicate aromas, with notes of red fruits, flowers and a marked minerality thanks to its slate soils.
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Gratallops : More powerful aromas, with a predominance of ripe black fruits, spices and, in many cases, a touch of wood.
5. Producers and Philosophy
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Vilella Alta : Many producers here focus on more artisanal and minimal intervention practices, seeking to highlight the terroir in their wines.
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Gratallops : This town is home to both traditional wineries and more innovative projects, resulting in a greater diversity of wine styles.