Discover Gratallops: Priorat’s Wine Gem
Gratallops, a small village in Catalonia’s Priorat wine region, offers a captivating blend of rugged landscapes and world-class wines. This picturesque town, perched on a hilltop, serves as an ideal base for exploring the renowned Priorat DOQ (Denominación de Origen Calificada).
Towns and Villages
While Gratallops is the main focus, nearby villages offer additional charm:
- Torroja del Priorat: Known for its traditional architecture and panoramic views
- Porrera: Home to several boutique wineries and a historic center
- Scala Dei: Features the ruins of an ancient Carthusian monastery, crucial to the region’s winemaking history
Wine Producers
Gratallops boasts some of Priorat’s most respected wineries:
- Álvaro Palacios: Renowned for their L’Ermita wine, one of Spain’s most prestigious
- Clos Mogador: A pioneer in Priorat’s wine renaissance, offering exceptional blends
- Mas Martinet: Family-run winery known for innovative winemaking techniques
- Clos Figueras: Combines winemaking with a restaurant and guesthouse for a complete experience
Accommodations
Gratallops offers a mix of charming lodgings:
- Cal Llop: A boutique hotel in a restored 18th-century building with stunning views
- Clos Figueras: Winery guesthouse providing an immersive wine experience
- Casa Rural Elvira: A cozy, family-run guesthouse in the heart of the village
Dining
Local restaurants showcase Priorat’s culinary traditions:
- Restaurant Clos Figueras: Offers farm-to-table cuisine paired with their wines
- La Vinícola: A casual spot for traditional Catalan dishes and local wines
- Irreductibles: Modern interpretations of regional cuisine with an extensive wine list
Wine Shops & Bars
Gratallops and the surrounding Priorat region offer excellent options for wine tasting and purchasing:
- Vinum Priorat: A well-stocked wine shop in Gratallops featuring local and international selections
- La Vinícola Wine Bar: Offers a wide range of Priorat wines by the glass
- Celler de l’Aspic: Wine bar and restaurant in nearby Falset with an extensive Priorat wine list
Other Shops
While Gratallops is small, you can find local products and essentials:
- La Botiga de Gratallops: A small grocery store offering local produce and basic supplies
- Cooperativa Agrícola: Purchase locally produced olive oil and nuts
Attractions
Beyond wine, Gratallops and Priorat offer cultural and natural attractions:
- Mirador de Gratallops: Panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Priorat vineyards
- Cartoixa d’Escaladei: 12th-century Carthusian monastery ruins near Scala Dei
- Serra de Montsant Natural Park: Hiking trails and stunning landscapes surrounding the wine region
Events
Priorat’s calendar is filled with wine-related events:
- Fira del Vi de Falset: Annual wine fair in nearby Falset, typically held in May
- Festa de la Verema: Harvest festival in September, celebrating the grape harvest
- Tast amb Llops: A summer wine tasting event in Gratallops featuring local producers
Appellations
Priorat boasts two prestigious wine appellations:
- DOQ Priorat: One of only two DOQ (Denominación de Origen Calificada) regions in Spain, known for powerful red wines
- DO Montsant: Surrounds Priorat, offering high-quality wines at often more accessible prices
Both appellations focus on red wines made from Garnacha and Cariñena grapes, often blended with international varieties.
Grape Varieties
Priorat’s unique terroir supports a diverse range of grape varieties. Garnacha and Cariñena dominate the vineyards, producing powerful, concentrated wines.
Other varieties include:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah
- Merlot
- Cabernet Franc
- Pinot Noir
- White varieties: Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, Pedro Ximénez
Main Wine Styles
Priorat is renowned for its intense, full-bodied red wines. These wines often display rich fruit flavors, high alcohol content, and firm tannins.
Common wine styles include:
- Single-varietal Garnacha or Cariñena
- Blends of traditional and international varieties
- Limited production of white and rosé wines
Food Specialties
Priorat’s cuisine complements its robust wines perfectly. Local specialties include:
- Escalivada: Roasted vegetables with olive oil
- Calçots: Grilled spring onions served with romesco sauce
- Botifarra amb mongetes: Catalan sausage with white beans
- Arròs a la cassola: Traditional rice dish with meat and vegetables
Drives & Walks
Explore Priorat’s stunning landscapes through scenic drives and walks. The Montsant Natural Park offers hiking trails with panoramic views of vineyards and mountains.
Recommended routes:
- Scala Dei to La Morera de Montsant: A picturesque drive through vineyards
- Siurana hiking trail: Offers breathtaking views of the Siurana reservoir
- Wine route from Falset to Gratallops: Passes by numerous wineries
Itineraries
Plan your Priorat adventure with these suggested itineraries:
3-Day Wine Lover’s Tour
- Day 1: Explore Falset, visit Celler Mas Doix
- Day 2: Tour Scala Dei Priory, taste at Alvaro Palacios winery
- Day 3: Hike in Montsant, enjoy a wine pairing dinner in Gratallops
5-Day Priorat Immersion
- Days 1-2: Falset and surrounding wineries
- Day 3: Scala Dei and La Vilella Baixa
- Day 4: Siurana and Cornudella de Montsant
- Day 5: Porrera and Gratallops wine experiences
Getting There & Around
The nearest major airport is Barcelona-El Prat, about 150 km from Priorat. Reus Airport is closer but has limited flights.
- By car: Rent a vehicle in Barcelona for flexibility
- By train: Take RENFE to Falset, then use local transportation
- Local buses: Connect major towns but have limited schedules
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) offer ideal weather for wine tours and outdoor activities.
- Harvest season (September-October): Vibrant atmosphere, winery events
- Summer: Hot but lively, with festivals and outdoor dining
- Winter: Quiet, perfect for cozy wine tastings and local experiences
Sustainability Efforts
Priorat is embracing sustainable winemaking practices. Many wineries focus on:
- Organic and biodynamic farming
- Water conservation techniques
- Solar energy use in production
- Preserving old vines and local grape varieties
Celler Mas Doix and Alvaro Palacios are leaders in sustainable viticulture.
Language Tips
Catalan is widely spoken in Priorat, alongside Spanish. Learning a few phrases can enhance your experience:
- “Salut” – Cheers
- “Gràcies” – Thank you
- “Un tast de vi, si us plau” – A wine tasting, please
- “Què em recomana?” – What do you recommend?
Further Resources
Enhance your Priorat wine journey with these resources:
- DOQ Priorat Official Website: Appellation information and winery listings
- Priorat Tourism: Comprehensive travel guide
- Book: “The New Vignerons” by Miquel Hudin – Profiles of Priorat winemakers
- App: Vivino – For scanning and rating Priorat wines on the go
