From: Priorat, Catalonia, Spain.
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha
Taste: This vintage primarily comprises Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Garnacha. The wine unveils itself with a deep, ruby hue, inviting the taster into a complex array of aromas. On the nose, it offers an enticing bouquet of ripe blackberries and cherries, layered with hints of spice, leather, and a distinct minerality that echoes the llicorella soils of its origin. The palate is greeted with a robust structure, balanced acidity, and velvety tannins that lead to a lengthy, elegant finish. This vintage showcases the potency and depth of Priorat's terroir and the winemaker's skill in creating a harmonious and expressive wine.
Pairing: The bold flavors and structure make it an ideal companion to equally rich and savory dishes. It beautifully complements grilled red meats, such as lamb or beef, allowing the smoky nuances of the wine to intertwine with the char of the grill. The wine's depth and complexity also make it a perfect match for hearty stews and aged cheeses, where its fruity and spicy notes can play off the umami flavors of the food. For a truly regional pairing, consider a Catalan specialty like 'carn a la brasa' (charcoal-grilled meat) or a rich, slow-cooked 'estofado' (stew), which will harmonize with the wine's robust profile.
Grilled Scallion Lamb
By Florence Fabricant
About. Nestled within the rugged landscape of Catalonia, Spain, lies the Celler Pasanau family estate, an icon of viticultural excellence in the Priorat region. This family-run winery, established towards the end of the 20th century, has steadfastly upheld a tradition of crafting wines that vividly express the unique terroir of their holdings.
The Pasanau family's journey into viticulture began in the picturesque village of La Morera de Montsant, situated at the northeastern edge of the Priorat region. This area, known for its steep, slate-covered hillsides and a climate that challenges both vine and vintner, has been associated with winemaking since the 12th century. However, it was in the late 20th century that the Pasanau family started to write their chapter in the region's storied winemaking history.
Ricard Pasanau, a key figure in the family's winemaking legacy, spearheaded the modernization of their practices. Recognizing the potential of their estate's location at the highest altitude in the Priorat, Ricard and his family began to focus on cultivating varieties that would best express the unique terroir of their vineyards. The family's holdings, particularly the Finca La Planeta plot, are renowned for their high elevation, which imparts a distinctive character to the grapes grown there. This strategic focus on terroir and varietal selection began Pasanau's ascent within the winemaking community.
The introduction of international grape varieties, alongside traditional ones like Garnacha and Cariñena, showcased the family's innovative approach to winemaking in Priorat. By blending the old with the new, Celler Pasanau has been able to produce wines that are not only reflective of the region's rich winemaking heritage but also appealing to a modern palate.
Over the years, the winery has continued to evolve, embracing sustainable practices and modern winemaking techniques while maintaining a deep respect for the land. The Pasanau family's commitment to quality and authenticity has earned them acclaim, with their wines serving as ambassadors for Priorat's unique terroir on the global stage.
Priorat itself is a region steeped in winemaking history, with its origins tracing back to the 12th century when Carthusian monks recognized the potential of its soil for vine cultivation. The area is renowned for its unique 'llicorella' soil, a mix of black slate and quartz that gleams under the Spanish sun. This challenging yet rewarding terrain, characterized by steep hillsides and a harsh climate, forces the vines to dig deep into the earth for water, resulting in grapes of concentrated flavor. The combination of this soil, the varying altitudes, and the microclimate contributes to the creation of wines with a remarkable intensity and minerality, a signature of the Priorat terroir.