Located in the heart of the Priorat, Gratallops is a small hilltop village known for its steep hillside vineyards and rocky soils. Produced by Cellar Cecilio, this Black Slate bottling is a blend of Grenache, Carignane and Syrah from vines ranging in age from 20 to over 65 years old. Fermented by native yeasts, the wine is aged for several months in a combination of concrete and small, neutral oak casks. The wine is deep purple in color and multi-layered from aroma to finish. Ripe fruit and black olive with spices dominate the aroma and carry over into the flavors. Black cherry flavors continue well into the finish in this fleshy, but well-balanced wine. Short term cellaring will smooth out the youthful tannic edge. Impressive wine for the price.
Black Slate, Priorat (Catalonia, Spain) 2020
By Norm Roby