Scala Dei: “The Birthplace Of The Priorat”

Catalonia: A Premier Wine Region

Situated in the northeast of Spain, Catalonia is celebrated for its rich and diverse wine culture. The region's viticulture history stretches back to Roman times, and it encompasses several distinct wine-producing areas, each with its own unique characteristics. From the sparkling wines of Penedès to the robust reds of Priorat, Catalonia offers a wide array of wines that cater to various tastes. The Mediterranean climate, combined with varied terrain, provides ideal conditions for cultivating a multitude of grape varieties, resulting in wines that are both expressive and complex.

Priorat: A Jewel of Catalonia

Priorat, a sub-region within Catalonia, is renowned for its powerful and distinctive wines. The area is defined by its unique terroir, featuring black slate and quartz soil known locally as llicorella. This soil, along with the steep, terraced vineyards and Mediterranean climate, produces wines with intense flavours and pronounced minerality. Viticulture in Priorat dates back to the 12th century when Carthusian monks from the Monastery of Scala Dei introduced winemaking to the region. Today, Priorat is one of only two wine regions in Spain to hold the prestigious Denominació d'Origen Qualificada (DOQ) status, highlighting its exceptional quality and heritage.

Scala Dei Winery

Nestled in the heart of Priorat, Scala Dei embodies centuries of winemaking tradition. Established in 1194, it is revered as the oldest winery in the region, with its roots deeply intertwined with the Carthusian monks who first brought viticulture to this rugged landscape in the 12th century. The name "Scala Dei," translating to "Stairway to God," beautifully captures the essence of its monastic heritage and the dramatic, terraced vineyards that define the area.

Scala Dei's wines are celebrated for their remarkable intensity, elegance, and true expression of terroir. The unique combination of the warm Mediterranean climate, steep vineyards, and llicorella soils—a type of slate—creates bold, structured wines. These wines are characterized by ripe fruit flavours, pronounced minerality, and a balanced freshness that makes them a delight for the palate.

At the helm of Scala Dei's winemaking is Ricard Rofes, a seasoned winemaker with over two decades of experience in the region. Ricard has been crafting wines at Scala Dei since 2008, bringing a deep understanding of the local terroir and a passion for Garnacha (Grenache) to his work. His approach is rooted in minimal intervention, allowing the distinctive mineral character of Priorat's llicorella soil to shine through each bottle.

Scala Dei's vineyards, some containing century-old vines that cling tenaciously to near-vertical slopes at elevations reaching 800 meters, represent viticulture at its most challenging and rewarding. The extreme conditions—intense summer heat tempered by cool mountain nights—create the perfect environment for producing wines of remarkable concentration and complexity.

Priorat Trio

Scala Dei Pla dels Àngels Rosé 2023 - £29.07 from Strictly Wines 

Originating from the historic vineyards of Priorat, Scala Dei Pla dels Àngels Rosé 2023 is a 100% Garnacha wine that enchants with its delicate aromas of fresh strawberries, zesty citrus, and a subtle hint of aniseed. Its pale pink colour and refreshing elegance make it a perfect choice for light salads, seafood dishes, or as an aperitif during springtime gatherings. 

The grapes for this wine are sourced from the higher elevations of Escaladei, where the soils are predominantly clay, and the vineyards feature a mix of young and old vines. These sites, facing north and east, are situated between 600 and 800 meters above sea level. The grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and undergo two selection processes to ensure quality.

Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes are cooled to 2°C to preserve their aromatic qualities. They are then destemmed and allowed to macerate with their skins for three hours in stainless steel tanks. Following fermentation, the wine is kept in the tank for four months before being bottled.

The name "Pla dels Àngels," which translates to "Plain of Angels," reflects the ethereal quality and heavenly appeal of this rosé.

Scala Dei Massipa Garnacha Blanco 2022 - £39.90 from Hedonism

Scala Dei Massipa Garnacha Blanco 2022 is crafted from a blend of 80% White Grenache and 20% Chenin Blanc, sourced from a single vineyard planted in 1983 at an altitude of 680 meters. 

The Massipa vineyard, established in 1974, is unique within Scala Dei as it is the only vineyard that includes white grape varieties. Situated at an elevation of 650 meters and facing east, the vineyard features red clay and limestone soils. The vines, approximately 40 years old, are divided by a path: Garnacha Blanca on one side and Chenin Blanc on the other.

The grapes from both sides are pressed together and transferred to concrete tanks, where fermentation occurs at a controlled temperature. After fermentation, the wine remains on its fine lees for three months in the concrete tanks, with weekly batonnage. This is followed by maturation in 1200-liter foudres.

This sophisticated white wine exudes aromas of white fruits, Mediterranean herbs, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it offers a creamy texture balanced by a vibrant freshness and intensity, with nuances of aniseed and minerality. The name "Massipa" is derived from the vineyard plot, emphasizing its unique terroir. This wine pairs beautifully with seafood, light pasta dishes, or soft cheeses.

Scala Dei PRIOR  2021 - £25.69 from haywines.co.uk

Scala Dei PRIOR 2021 is a distinguished red wine that showcases complex aromas of ripe red fruits, minerals, and spices. A red wine of typical Priorat profile for two reasons, it is made with the four most cultivated varieties in the region (65% Red Grenache, 15% Carignan, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah), in the two most common soils, slate and clay. 

The grapes are sourced from vineyards that range in age from 35 to 65 years, planted on the terraced slopes of llicorella (slate) soil, situated between 400 and 600 meters above sea level. Each grape is carefully hand-harvested and undergoes two selection processes to ensure the highest quality.

The production process of Scala Dei Prior 2021 is both meticulous and traditional. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully selected to ensure only the best fruit is used. After destemming and gentle crushing, the grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. The wine is then aged for twelve months in French oak barrels, followed by an additional twelve months of aging in the bottle before it is released.

In terms of its sensory profile,  it boasts an intense ruby colour with garnet and violet hues. The aroma is rich and expressive, featuring notes of red fruit, violets, and spices like pepper, along with subtle forest undertones. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and well-structured, with fine tannins and balanced acidity. It finishes long and dry, with mineral and slightly spicy nuances.

This wine pairs wonderfully with a variety of meat dishes, making it a versatile choice for different culinary experiences. Scala Dei Prior 2021 is a testament to the rich heritage and meticulous craftsmanship of the Scala Dei winery, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and aromas that truly reflect the unique terroir of Priorat.

These gastronomic treasures have found their way into some of London's finest dining establishments, including The Campaner, Jeru, Trivet, and Bacchanalia. Each sip of Scala Dei's wine offers a journey through time, inviting wine enthusiasts to experience the rich history and exceptional quality that has been honed over centuries.