My last wine holiday was in Alsace, France, before the pandemic broke out. But because of your Instagram and KZread presence and content, it feels like I never stopped wine-traveling. I’m living vicariously through your stunning vineyard tours and wine journeys. And now, this! Not five minutes but more than 15 minutes of your wine adventures in Priorat, showing us the scenic beauty of this region and authoritatively discussing its history, terroir, soil composition, climate, classifications, wineries, vineyards, and grapes, as well as its best and most highly regarded wines. Thank you for this outstanding video and for sharing with us your learnings and experiences - so informative, so interesting, exciting and intelligent, captivating, and engaging. I certainly took note of your wine recommendations! Merci beaucoup, John! Santé!🍷

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

Merci beaucoup, Margaux! Thanks so much for watching and the eloquent feedback! Very glad you enjoyed it. This is a very special region and one that I highly recommend visiting! I tried to capture some of the stunning scenery, but it is even more impressive in person! Sante!

@margauxml

2 жыл бұрын

@@AttorneySomm De rien, John! You’re very much welcome! Love the gorgeous scenery in your video; I hope to visit someday! Forgot to say, your script is really great! Appreciate all the effort you put in your editing as well! Really very impressive!!

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

@@margauxml Very much appreciated! I wrote the script on the flight home while it was fresh! I’m a one-person operation, so the editing has been a work in progress. Very pleased you enjoyed it!

@margauxml

2 жыл бұрын

@@AttorneySomm Thank you so much for the pin! Greatly appreciate it!

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

@@margauxml Well deserved! Appreciate the pin-worthy comment!

Great roads to drive around (carefully) and some delightful, isolated villages and vineyards. Well worth the "detour". 🍷🚗

@AttorneySomm

2 ай бұрын

Completely agree with you! A fantastic place to visit!

Great recap. I lived in Barcelona for 10 years so I’m very familiar with the area. One my favorite wines comes from a family winery, Celler Pasanau. The wine is called La Planeta. They also have a great friendly price point wine called Ceps Nou which is outstanding for the price.

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much! Appreciate the tip. Sounds terrific. I'll try to track some down.

@jessegutierrez982

2 жыл бұрын

@@AttorneySomm Great. The La Planeta is I believe 80% Cab and 20% old vine Granacha. You could find a 2005 for about 50.00. It needs about 2-3 hours to decant. Cheers

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

@@jessegutierrez982 Much appreciated! Sounds terrific!

Thanks for this video! Making me nostalgic! My wife and I loved our time in Priorat (summer 2017) and we’re hoping to return again sometime soon. The wines are exceptional and unique, as you rightfully call out, but what impressed us just as much, if not more, was the wonderful hospitality across the region. We stayed at a wonderful 5 room hotel (and winery) at Trossos del Priorat - stunning rooms, views, amenities, and affordable. The restaurants were all unpretentious, affordable and served some of the best dishes we had in Spain. One of our favorites was Clos Figueres, which is a must tour for both the food and their wines. All their wines proved incredible and strong values for this region (from $30-90 USD). And I’m not sure I’ll see a more stunning tasting room in my lifetime compared to the one at Ferrer Bobet. The wine was good (perhaps not as strong as the “Clos” wineries we also visited) but the overall experience and views of priorat are tough to beat, and again, the hospitality was off the charts. I don’t think we spent more than $20 for a tasting anywhere, and many were complimentary. That certainly doesn’t happen in many (if any) of the world’s great wine producing regions.

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Had lunch at Clos Figueres and it was excellent! Sadly some you mentioned were closed for holidays so I couldn’t visit. I stayed at the new sister property for the hotel you mention. Hope to return soon! Cheers!

I have recently discovered your channel. Really great channel that has become a go to for me. Thanks. I love minerality in wine. I recently had a bottle of white from Chateau Haut Pougnan and it tasted like lemon peel and wet white gravel taste like you mentioned Chablis has which I also love. It's hard to describe but for me I love that dimension it can bring wine. That is why Priorat interests me so much because I'd love to taste it more in reds

@AttorneySomm

4 күн бұрын

Thanks very much! Glad you enjoy the channel! Appreciate the kind feedback. Completely agree with you re: minerality! Priorat is definitely a good source for that in reds, particularly from older vines and wines with a higher percentage of Carignan. You might also try some reds from volcanic soils, such as Etna Rosso.

Great deep dive into Priorat! Fully agree on the comment you made on minerality here. This wet stone/slate characteristic is well detectable in many of these wines imo. I am a great fan of Palacios as well, next to Finca Dofi I can recommend his Gratallops vi de villa which retails for around €40-50. It has fruit from several vineyards among which l’Ermita. A great value!

@AttorneySomm

Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much! Yes, another excellent choice and a compelling value! Cheers!

Excellent video, thank you; I always wonder why Priorat wines were so expensive but with those low yields I can now see that they actually represent fantastic value for money. You really gave, in few minutes, a great overview of this region explaining the reason of the higher price and compering it not with Rioja but with Chateauneuf do Pape, these two points are key to understand this region. Thank you.

@AttorneySomm

Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much! Very glad it was useful. Appreciate the positive feedback. 👍🍷

This is a fantastic video for wine enthusiasts. Very informative and educational. I love the history and region behind wine. Breathtaking vineyards views. What an utterly incredible experience to visit the region and to be tasting those wonderful wines with winemakers. I have learnt so much from what you have shared about this stunning region and just some of wineries in this great place. No words to thank you for making us feel we are in Priorat. Definitely a world class destination on my list now. Being myself a wine lover, I collect all valuable information. Thank you very much for such a great explanation of Spanish regions and introduction of these Priorat wines. Took some notes and hope to try some of these delicious wines. Cheers John!

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Joy! Thanks for watching and the kind words! Hope you can visit this region! The wines are excellent and the scenery stunning!

@sipsavor.sights8210

2 жыл бұрын

@@AttorneySomm You’re most welcome, John! Love everything about this. Nice to visit virtually through you. Once again many thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. Have a great week ahead!

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

@@sipsavor.sights8210 Thanks Joy! Hope you have a great week too!

Never heard about this region but I will definitely try them!

@AttorneySomm

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Definitely an excellent region. The wines need a little time but very impressive with age. Acid and minerality to offset the concentrated fruit.

Costers del Priorat is my favorite from Priorat. Had it at Cote in NYC.

@AttorneySomm

11 ай бұрын

Thanks! I had the white wine in NYC a few months ago and enjoyed it very much.

Great introductory video as always. Many thanks for your sincere efforts. They are highly appreciated.

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much! Greatly appreciate the kind feedback. It means a lot! Cheers!

This was an interesting story. The families getting together brought great success. Thank you for posting.

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and the kind words. Definitely a fascinating story! So happy for the success that this region has enjoyed, even though there are some labor shortages holding them back a bit. Cheers!

Great insight, I always want to try more Priorat, so thanks for these recommendations! Just had a 2017 Torres Salmos that was quite good and a great value. Hope to try Scala Dei Cartoixa and eventually Palacios Finca Dofi soon

@AttorneySomm

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Definitely a region that flies under the radar. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Bravo John, a really excellent overview of Priorat. Oddly enough, Priorat is still a tough call in the rest of Spain itself. Like France and Italy, wine consumption is very regional and the thorny issue of price and a sometimes frosty attitude towards Catalonia doesn't help. I also know many outside Spain that can't get their heads around the high alcohol, which is a feature in other regions too, resulting in a rather contemptuous attitude towards Spanish wine in general. I agree with you that Priorat might be more comparable to certain French wines (it even uses terms like Grand Crus )and therein lies the problem. It looks towards France and French price points and that alienates it in Spain and for drinkers of Spanish wine. Folk in Spain are used to being able to buy a very good wine for far less money than some of these choices, fine though they are. They may be old vines and low yield but people don't care about that unless they are serious wine enthusiasts with deep pockets. However, I don't want to end on a negative note. These are lovely wines that ought to be far better known and you have recommended a fine selection. I know I sound like a stuck record but Spanish wine, which has transformed itself in the last 20 years, is kicking ass in terms of price/quality, regional interest and leading the way in terms of exciting marketing (apart from Priorat - a bit old school. The French thing). Cheers. WT

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers! Thanks very much for weighing in and sharing your thoughts. It is extremely helpful to hear this perspective and makes a lot of sense. I have learned that the Porrera wines tend to be lighter and more elegant since they get more sea breezes. Definitely a very exciting region and one I enjoy very much. 👍🍷

@welshtoro3256

Жыл бұрын

@@AttorneySomm Priorat is a regional wine I'm very fond of too. Indeed, it makes me wonder about terms like 'Spanish', 'French', 'Italian', wines, etc, etc. Wine is so regional that it can bear no relation to any national characteristic. Talk of 'Spanish' wine (French, Italian, etc) is really rather meaningless. 'Priorat' is within the landmass known as 'Spain' but that's all. The vines have a history but no national characteristic because there is no national characteristic. How about a video on this concept? Could be interesting. WT

Hello John! New follower/subscriber here! I very much enjoy your vids and am frankly astounded by the depth of information you provide for virtually each presentation. I'll definitely give some "respect" to Priorat on my next wine purchasing venture! Admittedly I've only focused on Rioja up until now. I'm intrigued with the licorella (slate) grown vines and although I've read about it before and the fact some of those wines require 7 vines to produce ONE bottle of wine just qualified for my bucket list (lol). I look forward to more of your presentations! Thank you..

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! Welcome to the community! Yes, Priorat is such an impressive region! Hope that you enjoy the wines as much as I do. Very much appreciate the kind words and glad that you enjoy the videos! Cheers!

Good video. I had my first Priorat a few weeks ago. It was a 2015 Ferrer Bobet. Really nice…

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much! Yes, that is an excellent producer as well. Cheers!

@ginazarcadoolasfoodandwine

2 жыл бұрын

It’s impressive how wines are produced from 110-year old vines. I appreciate the detailed explanation on the Priorat region and I hope I get to visit it the area someday. Your videos from your recent trip have convinced me to enjoy more Spanish wines. Thank you for this well-executed video, John. Salud!!

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

@@ginazarcadoolasfoodandwine Thanks so much, Gina! It is a remarkable region and one that is fast becoming one of my favorites! We are witnessing history in the making and it is very special to observe. Salud!

Very informative! 🥂

@AttorneySomm

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Very much appreciated! Glad it was useful. 🍷🍷

I had the 202 Bruno Colin La Fussière Maranges 1er and the 2018 Costers del Priorat Clos Alzina at the Michelin star Korean BBQ Cote in NYC. The Soom recommended the Bruno first and I picked out the Costers del Priorat. Every though the Priorat was the better choice.

@AttorneySomm

Жыл бұрын

Very nice! Glad to hear it. 👍🍷

thank you again for a very interesting video ^_^

@AttorneySomm

8 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

I was there myself in early May. Lovely place, passionate producers, fantastic wines!

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much! Agree with you completely! It was all very impressive. Cheers!

@nesnoj

2 жыл бұрын

Yup indeed! I particularly enjoyed the 2007 Clos de l'Obac, as well as their sweet Dolc de l'Obac. The Murmuri white from Mas Doix was also a highlight, as well as hanging out with Carles Ortiz at Familia Nin-Ortiz.

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

@@nesnoj Mas Doix was very impressive! I’m excited about the whites too.

Ahh I saw the Scala Dei Cartoixa 2018 next to the Priora but got the latter instead, Grenache driven and very approachable. I’ll try the Cartoixa next time, thanks for this video! Very timely as I’m doing a Spain primer next and this is certainly a region worth exploring!

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and the kind feedback! Very glad you enjoyed it. This is such a special region, but flies a bit under the radar. I was very impressed! Hope that you enjoy the wines as much as I do!

Another great video. I love your content. Have you tasted the Alvaro Palacios L’Ermita Velles Vinyes? I haven’t, but have been lucky enough to add 1 bottle of each of the ‘13 and ‘14 vintages to my cellar. Both were purchased at quite a discount to the market price. I’m torn whether to consume (and when) or to list for sale.

@AttorneySomm

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Unfortunately they were closed for a holiday when I was in Priorat so I could not visit. So I saw the vineyard but haven’t tasted it. At today’s lofty prices, I would be inclined to sell at least one of them.

Hey JJ! Thank you for introducing me to a little known region (must be such a joy for you to do that). The use of the word diurnal in our cellars usually is a warning to go look for another cellar. Is it an advantage in the vineyard? How does the blue slate ameliorate that situation in the vineyard? The day I don't learn from your channel is the day you can read about me in the obituary column (warning...dark Australian humor in the rear view mirror may appear larger than it is). Cheers!

@AttorneySomm

Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much, Craig! So glad you enjoy the videos. Certainly appreciate the comments! Yes, a large diurnal range can be very useful in the vineyard especially in warm climates. The cooler night temps slow down ripening which helps to extend the growing season and preserve acidity and freshness in the grapes. Rocky soils can absorb heat and radiate warmth at night which can undo that to some extent, but Priorat cools off so much at night most of the fruit retains acidity despite the slate soils. In places like Cote Rotie and Bordeaux rocky soils help ensure adequate ripening this way.

Hello Jack ! First of all thanks for your content, I am a wine lover from Yucatan, Mexico and I am currently in Andorra and after watching your video I am planing to go to Gratallops next week for a couple of days (it’s a 3 hours drive from here ) and I want to ask you if you know someone that can give us a tour reserving in advance to go to the vineyards that you visited or is there a chance to reserve a visit online directly with the bodegas? Thanks for your kind response and thanks again for your amazing content .. salud amigo 🍷!!

@AttorneySomm

11 ай бұрын

Hello! Glad to hear it! Thanks very much. Check with ania@travelpriorat.com. Her name is Ania Andrews. That isn’t much time to plan but she can hopefully set you up! If anyone can she can. Salud!

@armandoquirozgutierrez8317

11 ай бұрын

@@AttorneySomm thank you jack , I’ll try to reach her !! All the best my friend 🍷🤚🏼

Please do another video on old vines carinena. ❤

@AttorneySomm

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion! Much appreciated. Cheers!

I picked up the Mas Martinet Bru 2018 based on your other video (top $40 wines). Any foods that pare especially well with the wine? Thanks for your hard work and responding to everybody’s comments; you know how to uTube

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

Excellent! Very glad to hear it. It is an excellent wine that should pair well with any red meat dishes and also sausage. It has good acidity so also dishes with tomato sauce. Thanks for watching and the continued support! 👍🍷

Dear Attorney Somm, I am pleased to see Clos Mogador on your list because I have a case of the 2018 Mogador Gratallops. I have two questions for you: (1) What is the significance (if any) of the "Gratallops" appellation on the label? (2) Their website suggests that the 2018 vintage was bottled in July 2020. If you had a case of six, when would you be inclined to start popping the corks? Thanks in advance, Rob

@AttorneySomm

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much! Gratallops is one of the official 12 subregions for Priorat. I would definitely wait a few years to dig in. It is all primary fruit now. I like my wines with substantial age so I would wait at least 5 years to open one and then save the rest. The 2001 was drinking beautifully a couple weeks ago, so no rush!

heading to spain first week of may 2024. we plan on going to priorat region. Do we need appointments with every winery? can you just go like in napa? (unannounced)which 2 or 3 wineries do you recommend for maximum experience? we are serious oenophiles and want to taste good to excellent wines! long time admirer of your videos!

@AttorneySomm

5 ай бұрын

Thanks very much! Which regions will you visit? I have videos on Rioja and Priorat that I did right after my visits and which features the wineries I visited. I can send links if that would be useful.

@AttorneySomm

5 ай бұрын

PS, I strongly recommend appointments with the wineries I visited. There may be some drop in opportunities, but not many.

@joe-zp7ge

5 ай бұрын

much appreciated. yes please send links to in regards to priorat

@AttorneySomm

5 ай бұрын

@@joe-zp7ge Wine Collecting: PRIORAT Overview and 6 Top PRIORAT Wines kzread.info/dash/bejne/l3aVrZmAm5i8pc4.html

Are they available at Total wine?

@AttorneySomm

Жыл бұрын

Some are for sure.

You failed to invite me to go with you on this trip…..

@AttorneySomm

Жыл бұрын

That was back in June. Same trip as Rioja. Some of these are personal trips where friends invite me. Others are media trips where I’m doing wine work. I don’t always have control over the guest list or itinerary.

No idea about this region

@AttorneySomm

Жыл бұрын

It’s excellent but under the radar. That is why I visited and did this video. Hoping to spread the word!