As you can see below, the vineyards of Priorat are some of the most rugged and wild in the world. From extreme lands come extremely delicious wines, and the 2021 Coster dels Olivers Priorat is my pick for the best Priorat value out there.
Located 2 hours southwest of Barcelona, the Catalan region of Priorat is home to old vines planted on steep, terraced slopes. Due to the "rough-and-tumble" conditions of Priorat, it's not easy to find good ones that sell for less than $25.
Vines struggle to survive in the blazing hot and dry conditions of Priorat, but from these old, gnarled, and low-yielding vines come delicious, hearty, and soulful wines. This one has just the right amount of age on it, it's drinking splendidly, and the price is more-than-fair.
2021 Coster del Olivers Priorat -- Why should you buy it?
- Carinyena (Carignan) and Garnatxa (Grenache) are the 2 key grapes of Priorat, and they are the "headliners" in this classic blend. The Carinyena provides heft and structure while the Garnatxa rounds things out.
- I love how this isn't too heavy or overripe, like some Priorats can be. There's a bright vein of acidity that keeps this light on its feet, but there's plenty of "big stuff" happening here too.
- Juicy, immediately likable, and packed with aromas and flavors of spiced plum, cherry, dried herb, violet, smoked meat, and leather, this will appeal to lovers of Southern Rhone and Southern Italian red wines.
- Vines grow on the classic black slate soils of Porrera -- classic terroir + the top-rated village of Priorat = delicious wine!
I want to reiterate how delicious this wine is. With 4 years of age on it, it's gotten more silky, integrated, and complex, and it will continue to drink well over the next 3 years.
