The Wine.

An outstanding, mature example of the much coveted Priorat style. Rich and fruity with plenty of freshness alongside notes of spice, eucalyptus, cedar and tobacco. 18 months in French oak and 6 or so years in bottle have turned this into a serious, complex and beautifully balanced red.

The Estate.

Sola Classic is one of just 60 or so bodegas operating in this tiny region and has been owned by the Barcelo family since 1777. The vineyards have been organic since 2009 and all harvesting is done by hand. The vines are 45 - 75 years old which means small production but great quality of fruit.

The Appellation.

Priorat is a tiny appellation in Catalonia, north east Spain. Here old vines cling to steeply terraced vineyards under the hot mediterranean sun, and gnarled vines produce small quantities of intense red wines from the Garnacha and Cariñena grape varieties.

The region has produced wines since Roman times, but experienced an extraordinary renaissance in the 1990s. A number of wine makers, recognising the area's potential, bought up small plots of land and began applying modern winemaking techniques to production. It is now turns out some of the most sought after wines in Spain.

Offered: February 2024.

Alcohol: 14.5%.

Drinking window: 2023 – 2027.

Food matching: A rich, full bodied wine that would match well with mature hard, ewe’s milk cheeses, slow roast meats – venison, lamb, pork belly – or sausage cassoulet.