Vin?cola del Priorat was set up in 1991 to bring together the small local co-operatives so as to be able to use new technology for producing wines and olive oils. This was because existing facilities were obsolete, the majority having been in use since the local co-operatives were set up, between 1917 and 1929. It has 125 wine-growing members who cultivate 310 vineyards covering a total area of 205 hectares and with an output of 450,000 kg. of grapes. These figures illustrate two facts which should be borne in mind: on the one hand, the strong predominance of small holdings in the Priorat, and on the other, the low production per vine - around a kilo of grapes. These features are a consequence of the hilly terrain of the Priorat, with vineyards on slopes of up to 30%, of the llicorella (shale) soil and the advanced age of the vines (the average is around 60 years).

"Most wines from Priorato fetch prices from $50-$300 a bottle, so this inexpensive offering from this increasingly esteemed appellation is welcome relief. Made from a blend of Grenache and Carignan, this dense, thick, uncomplicated, chewy, medium to full-bodied wine exhibits excellent ripeness, plenty of blackberry and cherry liqueur-like fruit, intriguing mineral, pepper, and spice notes, and a chunky, husky finish." Robert Parker

www.vinicoladelpriorat.com/eng/angles.htm

Priorat Onix
2001 $12.99