New on the scene, but making their presence felt, Lectores Vini is one of the hottest and most talked-about wineries in Spanish Catalonia. I got the chance to sample their 2021 Priorat Classic late last week, and I was thoroughly impressed.
Vinous Media loved it too, rating it 94 points, and calling it a "serious Priorat." It is serious, but it's fairly priced, and it really showcases the virtues and hallmark characteristics of this esteemed region located southwest of Barcelona. I love it, and I think many of you will too!
2021 Lectores Vini Priorat Classic
94 points Vinous Media, 95 points Yours Truly
Founded in 2016 by Galician-Swiss DJ-turned winemaker Fredi Torres, this is a wine that's got soul and character, just like the guy who makes it. Despite his varied resume, Fredi is a marvelous vigneron who trained at the legendary Clos Mogador before starting his own thing.
He looks for old, organically-farmed vines planted on the steep, slate-soiled, terraced vineyards of Priorat, and he puts them to good use. His 2021 Priorat Classic is composed of 70% Garnatxa, 25% Carinena, and 5% "other local grapes." Fermented in cement and aged in used French barrels for 12 months, the wine has turned out beautifully.
It's worth noting that of the 100+ Priorats that Vinous Media reviewed in the '21 vintage, this was one of just two to score 94+ points and sell for less than $40. If you are new to Priorat wines, just know that it's not an easy place to grow grapes, not a ton of wine is produced, and $40 is kind of an average price. Click HERE to have a look at what I'm talking about.
Enough geeking out, let's talk about what this stuff drinks like. It pours a glistening garnet-ruby color, and it smells of ripe and warm cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, mint, crushed rock, and bouquet garni. Dry and powerful on the palate, there's some serious stuffing here along with good structure, but the ripeness balances everything out perfectly.
If you love your wines full-bodied, concentrated, and complex, you will love this wine. Like I said earlier, it's got some staying power too -- drink now through 2036, maybe even longer. With time, some of that structure will soften up even more, and the wine will offer an even more refined texture.
This just became available in North Carolina, and as far as I can tell, we are the first retail shop to feature it. I highly recommend you get in on this action!
