Hidden Gem of Priorat
We just tasted a great Priorat wine during my stay in Barcelona — Salanques 2018. It’s a blend of Garnacha, Cariñena and Syrah. It ‘s a full body wine and we sure enjoyed it a lot.
"Salanques" is one of the flagship wines produced by Mas Doix. It is named after the vineyard site where the grapes are sourced. This wine is typically a blend of Grenache (Garnacha), Carignan (Cariñena), and other traditional grape varieties grown in the Priorat region.
Here are some general characteristics you might expect from Salanques:
Blend: Salanques is usually a blend dominated by Grenache and Carignan grapes, with smaller proportions of other varieties such as Syrah and Merlot. The exact blend may vary from vintage to vintage.
Terroir Expression: Salanques aims to showcase the terroir of the Priorat region. The grapes are sourced from old vineyards planted on steep slopes with slate (llicorella) soils, which impart distinct mineral character to the wine.
Flavor Profile: Salanques typically offers a complex array of flavors, including ripe red and black fruits such as cherry, plum, and blackberry, along with hints of spices, herbs, and mineral notes. The wine often displays a good balance between fruitiness, acidity, and tannins.
Aging Potential: Salanques wines from Mas Doix are known for their aging potential. While they can be enjoyable when young, they often benefit from some aging in the bottle to allow the flavors to integrate and develop greater complexity.
Food Pairing: Salanques is versatile when it comes to food pairing. It pairs well with a wide range of dishes, including grilled meats, hearty stews, game meats, and aged cheeses.
Mas Doix is indeed a notable winery located in the Priorat region of Catalonia, Spain. It was founded in 1998 by the Doix and Llagostera families, although the history of winemaking in the area dates back much further.
Mas Doix is recognized for its commitment to producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique terroir of Priorat. The winery is particularly renowned for its red wines, which are predominantly made from Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan) grapes, along with other traditional varieties such as Syrah and Merlot.
One of Mas Doix's most famous wines is the "Mas Doix Costers de Vinyes Velles," which translates to "Old Vineyard Slopes." This wine is crafted from old vineyards planted on steep slopes, reflecting the rugged terrain and distinctive terroir of Priorat. It has received critical acclaim for its depth, complexity, and ability to express the unique characteristics of the region.
Mas Doix combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern innovations to produce wines that are both expressive of their origins and of exceptional quality. The winery's commitment to sustainable farming practices and respect for the land further contributes to the reputation of its wines.
Overall, Mas Doix is an esteemed producer in the Priorat region, contributing to the ongoing recognition of Priorat as one of Spain's premier wine-producing areas.