Wednesday 3 May 2017

60 Second Wine Reviews: Taste The Difference Priorat 2013

The Catalan wine region of Priorat has a lofty reputation to uphold. Famed for its unique llicorella (slate and quartz-based) soils, its old, low-yielding vines and impossible natural beauty, the area's wines, from the Garnacha and Mazuelo grapes, can be intensely flavoured, impressively structured and eye-wateringly expensive. 

Enter Sainsbury's, with this well-priced 2013 example from their reliable 'Taste the Difference' range. Made for the UK retailer by one of Priorat's major co-operatives, the wine ticks all the initial boxes you'd want from the style: powerful blackcurrant and oak flavours are awash on the palate, backed up with shedloads of body, tannin and alcohol. In something of a contrast, the nose is fairly muted, and welcome nuances of cocoa mingle with the oak-tinged fruit. After this onslaught, the wine becomes a little flat - the finish is shorter than expected and the wine's power starts to become a little cumbersome. The phrase 'food wine' is much overused, but this Priorat is certainly a bottle which needs a good slab of red meat to carry it along to the finish line.

Tom's Rating: A good, if not great, introduction to the style which won't break the bank. Other Spanish regions offer better value, though

 Available at: Sainsbury's, £10

 
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3 comments:

  1. Anonymous4 May 2017 at 20:53

    Hi Tom

    Liking the 60 second reviews !

    Tried this and as you say it's an ok Priorat, a bit of a beast at 14.5% and as an introduction to Priorat this may well be a little heavy for some
    I like big wines though and this does fit the bill with its heady mix of Garnacha, Carignan, I think there is a touch of Syrah in the mix as well.
    By no means the best Priorat I've tasted but I've tasted worse, another reasonable Sainsburys TTD bottle but at £10 ????

    Salud, Dave

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  2. Unknown4 May 2017 at 21:46

    Hi Dave,

    Thanks for your comments on the format - time constraints have forced me to be more creative! I'll still churn out the 2,000 word essays when I can though.

    I agree entirely with you on the Priorat - it suits those whose palates can handle hefty wines. The £10 price is a little off-putting too, although to be fair I think I purchased during one of Sainsbury's perpetual 25% off a case deals. Tonight, I'm actually trying a Spanish red from Asda, their Cigales - have you tried it? Much more charming and easygoing, and a shade over £6 too.

    Adios,

    Tom

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  3. Anonymous5 May 2017 at 07:00

    Hi Tom
    Yes I have, a softer Tempranillo from the northwest of Ribera.
    Subtle tannins, rich Cherry, a touch of menthol, still with a hefty 14% although it doesn't feel like it.
    Nice mid week wine and at £6 what's not to like.

    Salud
    Dave

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