Welcome to Porrera, Priorat’s Hidden Gem
Nestled in the heart of Priorat, Spain, Porrera offers a captivating blend of rich winemaking history and stunning landscapes. This charming village, with its steep slopes and terraced vineyards, is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking an authentic Spanish experience.
Towns and Villages
Porrera is one of the eleven villages that make up the Priorat wine region. Nearby villages worth exploring include:
- Gratallops: Known for its high-quality wineries
- Falset: The largest town in Priorat, offering more amenities
- Scala Dei: Home to the historic Carthusian monastery
Wine Producers
Porrera boasts several notable wineries that showcase the region’s distinctive terroir. Some top producers include:
- Mas d’en Gil: Family-owned winery with a focus on organic and biodynamic practices
- Ferrer Bobet: Modern winery known for its sleek architecture and premium wines
- Cims de Porrera: Cooperative winery producing wines from old-vine Carignan and Grenache
Most wineries offer tours and tastings by appointment, so be sure to book in advance.
Accommodations
While Porrera itself has limited accommodation options, there are several charming places to stay in and around the village:
- Cal Tort: A beautifully restored 18th-century house in Porrera’s center
- Trossos del Priorat: Winery with on-site apartments, offering stunning vineyard views
- Hotel-Hostal Sport: Located in nearby Falset, this family-run hotel is known for its excellent restaurant
Dining
Porrera and the surrounding area offer a range of dining experiences that pair perfectly with local wines:
- Restaurant Celler de l’Aspic: Located in Falset, known for its innovative Catalan cuisine
- La Cooperativa: A casual spot in Porrera serving traditional local dishes
- El Celler de l’Ardèvol: In nearby Porrera, offering a tasting menu showcasing regional flavors
Don’t miss the opportunity to try local specialties like cured meats, artisanal cheeses, and olive oil, which complement the robust Priorat wines.
Wine Shops & Bars
Priorat’s wine culture extends beyond vineyards, offering unique tasting experiences in local shops and bars:
- Vinum Priorat: A wine shop in Gratallops showcasing an extensive selection of local wines
- La Vinícola: Wine bar in Falset featuring tastings and tapas
- Celler Cecilio: Family-run winery in Gratallops with a rustic tasting room
Many shops offer shipping services, allowing visitors to send their favorite wines home.
Other Shops
While wine dominates the local economy, Priorat offers other shopping experiences:
- Cooperativa Falset-Marçà: Local cooperative selling regional products like olive oil and nuts
- L’Obrador: Artisanal cheese shop in Falset
- Mercat de Falset: Weekly market (Tuesdays) featuring local produce and crafts
Attractions
Beyond wine, Priorat offers diverse attractions:
- Cartoixa d’Escaladei: 12th-century Carthusian monastery ruins
- Siurana: Picturesque hilltop village with stunning views
- Montsant Natural Park: Hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities
Consider joining a guided tour to fully appreciate the region’s history and landscape.
Events
Priorat’s calendar is filled with wine-related events and cultural festivities:
- Fira del Vi (May): Annual wine fair in Falset showcasing local producers
- Festa de la Verema (September): Harvest festival with grape-stomping activities
- Tast amb Llops (July): Wine and food festival in Gratallops
Check local event calendars for specific dates and smaller village celebrations.
Appellations
Priorat boasts two prestigious wine appellations:
- DOQ Priorat: Spain’s highest wine classification, known for powerful red wines
- DO Montsant: Surrounding Priorat, producing excellent value wines
Understanding these appellations enhances wine tasting experiences and helps in selecting local wines.
Grape Varieties
Priorat’s unique terroir supports several grape varieties. Garnacha and Cariñena dominate the region’s vineyards.
International varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah also thrive here, adding complexity to the wines.
Main Wine Styles
Priorat is renowned for its powerful, full-bodied red wines. These wines often feature intense fruit flavors, high alcohol content, and firm tannins.
White wines, though less common, are gaining popularity, made from varieties like Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo.
Food Specialties
Priorat’s cuisine complements its robust wines. Local specialties include:
- Escalivada: Grilled vegetables served with olive oil
- Samfaina: A Catalan ratatouille
- Botifarra amb mongetes: Catalan sausage with white beans
Drives & Walks
Explore Priorat’s dramatic landscape through scenic drives and walks. The Montsant Natural Park offers hiking trails with breathtaking views of vineyards and mountains.
Drive the winding roads between Porrera and Gratallops for stunning vistas of terraced vineyards clinging to steep slopes.
Itineraries
One-Day Wine Tour
- Start in Porrera with a morning visit to Vall Llach winery
- Drive to Gratallops for lunch at Cal Llop restaurant
- Afternoon tasting at Clos Mogador
- End the day with dinner in Falset at El Celler de l’Aspic
Three-Day Priorat Experience
Day 1: Focus on Porrera and nearby wineries
Day 2: Explore Scala Dei and the Montsant Natural Park
Day 3: Visit Falset for its wine shops and museums
Getting There & Around
The nearest major airport is Barcelona-El Prat, about 150 km from Priorat. Reus Airport, closer but smaller, is an alternative for some European flights.
Renting a car is the best way to explore Priorat’s wineries and villages. Many roads are narrow and winding, so drive cautiously.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) offer ideal weather for wine touring and outdoor activities. Autumn coincides with the grape harvest, providing a unique winemaking experience.
Summer can be hot, while winter is quiet but cozy, perfect for enjoying hearty local cuisine with bold red wines.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Priorat wineries practice organic or biodynamic viticulture. Clos Mogador and Mas Martinet are pioneers in sustainable winemaking.
The region’s steep slopes necessitate manual harvesting, preserving traditional farming methods and local employment.
Language Tips
Catalan is the primary language in Priorat, but Spanish is widely understood. English proficiency varies, especially in smaller villages.
Key wine terms:
- Vi negre: Red wine
- Vi blanc: White wine
- Tast de vins: Wine tasting
- Salut: Cheers
Further Resources
Visit the official DOQ Priorat website for up-to-date information on wineries, events, and regional news.
Consider purchasing Miquel Hudin’s “Vinologue Priorat” for an in-depth guide to the region’s wines and producers.
