Cellers de Scala Dei
Prior Priorat Grenache Blend
Priorat, Catalunya, Spain
An order of Carthusian monks first found their way to Scala Dei in 1194 at the invitation of Alfonso I. The name "Scala Dei" means "stairway to heaven," and a visit through these transportive ruins remains a critical first stop if ever visiting the region. While monks no longer work the cellars, the Scala Dei wines remain solid - and often a relative value in comparison to those who've arrived in the last half century. Prior is Scala Dei's mid-tier of their three Priorat reds. High octane flavors of licorice, pepper, black plum, violet, and blueberry find balance with spicier, more elegant tones of sandalwood, rosewater, frankincense and gingerbread. While 15% abv, you’d never know per the bright acidity and chalky tannins - yet there remains, a warming medieval intrigue that conjures romantic images of hearthstones and velvet. A nice showing from Priorat’s pioneering monastery.
An order of Carthusian monks first found their way to Scala Dei in 1194 at the invitation of Alfonso I. The name "Scala Dei" means "stairway to heaven," and a visit through these transportive ruins remains a critical first stop if ever visiting the region. While monks no longer work the cellars, the Scala Dei wines remain solid - and often a relative value in comparison to those who've arrived in the last half century. Prior is Scala Dei's mid-tier of their three Priorat reds. High octane flavors of licorice, pepper, black plum, violet, and blueberry find balance with spicier, more elegant tones of sandalwood, rosewater, frankincense and gingerbread. While 15% abv, you’d never know per the bright acidity and chalky tannins - yet there remains, a warming medieval intrigue that conjures romantic images of hearthstones and velvet. A nice showing from Priorat’s pioneering monastery.
1 person found it helpfulMar 5th, 2018
The most international-style bottling from Scala Dei, in terms of oak profile and varietal composition. Needs some air at this stage
The most international-style bottling from Scala Dei, in terms of oak profile and varietal composition. Needs some air at this stage
Jan 24th, 2017
Delicious, smooth, has fruit and acidity but not overpowering. Paired wonderfully with a spicy meal. Reasonably priced for Priorat. Decant before drinking.
Delicious, smooth, has fruit and acidity but not overpowering. Paired wonderfully with a spicy meal. Reasonably priced for Priorat. Decant before drinking.
Nov 10th, 2017
What a wonderful surprise. Not a tannic beast but beautifully balanced with the Grenache singing loudly.
What a wonderful surprise. Not a tannic beast but beautifully balanced with the Grenache singing loudly.
Jun 13th, 2017
Wonderful mixed berry and dried dark cherry bouquet. Soft, velvety fruit and oak on the palate. Easy finish. Great.
Wonderful mixed berry and dried dark cherry bouquet. Soft, velvety fruit and oak on the palate. Easy finish. Great.
Jun 11th, 2017
Great young priorat with some nice depth
Great young priorat with some nice depth
Feb 4th, 2017
Decanted for 30 minutes. Quite complex nose: crushed red fruits, spices and herbal mineral notes. Medium acidity and nice freshness. Long tannic finish. Nice wine from Priorat.
Decanted for 30 minutes. Quite complex nose: crushed red fruits, spices and herbal mineral notes. Medium acidity and nice freshness. Long tannic finish. Nice wine from Priorat.
Jan 28th, 2017