Catalan Wines
Les Sentius in the center, a historical paratge of Porrera/Falset

Explaining paratge/paraje certifications in Catalan wine

by  |  03-07-2017

With the publication of my lengthy article at Meininger’s explaining the new certifications of DOQ Priorat, it’s worth standing back from this for a moment and understanding a key term that everyone in the wine... more »

Empordà, wines from the wind

by  |  13-06-2017

Historically, Roussillon and Empordà were much more joined as the former comprised what used to be the northern portion of a larger Catalonia some 350 years ago. And despite now being the last bastion of... more »

Alta Alella’s Parvus

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I’ve been a fan of what Alta Alella has been doing for some time. In case you don’t believe me, have a look. To a large extent, they’ve been striving a great deal to drive... more »

The first “Tastets de Gratallops” village wine tasting

by  |  05-06-2017

When it comes to the wine-producing villages of DOQ Priorat, Gratallops is by far the most dominant. With about 22 cellars located within the village boundaries, they have have over 25% of the registered cellars... more »

Álvaro Palacios en primeur 2016

by  |  29-05-2017

Due to research for another another article with Meininger’s, I paid a visit to Álvaro Palacios last month for a chat and, being the consummate showman that he is (the classy booklet above was for... more »

In The Glass: Alta Alella – Mirgin Opus Evolutium 2013

by  |  19-05-2017

At the age of 19 I was in awe when staring at a pair of bright yellow soccer cleats in a shop until I realized that I would need skills on the field far beyond... more »

Tast del Decenni of 2007 in 2017

by  |  11-05-2017

What is now my fourth sojourn into the world of Priorat wine with a decade to its name, I attended the Tast del Decenni or “Decade Tasting” last week. You can read the notes of... more »

Tast del Decenni of 2007 DOQ Priorat

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Following are the tastings notes for the 2007 DOQ Priorat wines. Please read my reflections on this tasting and the vintage as a whole first. Not that while I’m quite happy normally using my three... more »

Tast del Decenni of 2007 DO Montsant

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Following are the tastings notes for the 2007 DO Montsant wines. Please read my reflections on this tasting and the vintage as a whole first. Not that while I’m quite happy normally using my three... more »

Another great year in the square for Nit de les Carinyenes

by  |  02-05-2017

Nit de les Carinyenes (“The night of the Carignans”) just saw its 9th edition last week. For those who sadly may yet be unaware of this event, it’s put on yearly by the Porrera Cellars... more »