Scala Dei Cartoixa Priorat 2017
Introduction
Scala Dei Cartoixa 2017 is a distinguished red blend from the Priorat region of Catalonia, Spain. Cellers Scala Dei holds a singular place in Spanish viticulture as the oldest winery in Priorat, with origins dating back to 1163 (or 1194) when Carthusian monks established vineyards around their monastery. Cartoixa is particularly significant as it was the very first wine ever bottled under the D.O.C. Priorat designation. The winery's philosophy maintains that "wine is born in the vineyard," a legacy continued by families who still cultivate the same historic plots originally laboured by the monks.
Wine Description
This emblematic blend is composed of 80% Grenache and 20% Carignan (Cariñena) sourced from 60-year-old vines planted on high-altitude terraces. In the glass, it presents a deep morello cherry red with vibrant violet hues. The nose is intense and persistent, showcasing ripe black fruits like plum and persimmon alongside a floral touch of violets. This bouquet is further defined by a distinct "Priorat typicity"—clear mineral notes from the licorella slate soils—and spicy aromas of vanilla and pepper from its aging process. On the palate, the wine is robust, unctuous, and full-bodied with mature, supple tannins and a long, lingering finish. It was aged for 18 months in a selection of new and used French oak barrels to balance corpulence with fruit expression.
Accolades
Wine Spectator - 92 points
James Suckling - 92 points
Introduction
Scala Dei Cartoixa 2017 is a distinguished red blend from the Priorat region of Catalonia, Spain. Cellers Scala Dei holds a singular place in Spanish viticulture as the oldest winery in Priorat, with origins dating back to 1163 (or 1194) when Carthusian monks established vineyards around their monastery. Cartoixa is particularly significant as it was the very first wine ever bottled under the D.O.C. Priorat designation. The winery's philosophy maintains that "wine is born in the vineyard," a legacy continued by families who still cultivate the same historic plots originally laboured by the monks.
Wine Description
This emblematic blend is composed of 80% Grenache and 20% Carignan (Cariñena) sourced from 60-year-old vines planted on high-altitude terraces. In the glass, it presents a deep morello cherry red with vibrant violet hues. The nose is intense and persistent, showcasing ripe black fruits like plum and persimmon alongside a floral touch of violets. This bouquet is further defined by a distinct "Priorat typicity"—clear mineral notes from the licorella slate soils—and spicy aromas of vanilla and pepper from its aging process. On the palate, the wine is robust, unctuous, and full-bodied with mature, supple tannins and a long, lingering finish. It was aged for 18 months in a selection of new and used French oak barrels to balance corpulence with fruit expression.
Accolades
Wine Spectator - 92 points
James Suckling - 92 points
Description
Introduction
Scala Dei Cartoixa 2017 is a distinguished red blend from the Priorat region of Catalonia, Spain. Cellers Scala Dei holds a singular place in Spanish viticulture as the oldest winery in Priorat, with origins dating back to 1163 (or 1194) when Carthusian monks established vineyards around their monastery. Cartoixa is particularly significant as it was the very first wine ever bottled under the D.O.C. Priorat designation. The winery's philosophy maintains that "wine is born in the vineyard," a legacy continued by families who still cultivate the same historic plots originally laboured by the monks.
Wine Description
This emblematic blend is composed of 80% Grenache and 20% Carignan (Cariñena) sourced from 60-year-old vines planted on high-altitude terraces. In the glass, it presents a deep morello cherry red with vibrant violet hues. The nose is intense and persistent, showcasing ripe black fruits like plum and persimmon alongside a floral touch of violets. This bouquet is further defined by a distinct "Priorat typicity"—clear mineral notes from the licorella slate soils—and spicy aromas of vanilla and pepper from its aging process. On the palate, the wine is robust, unctuous, and full-bodied with mature, supple tannins and a long, lingering finish. It was aged for 18 months in a selection of new and used French oak barrels to balance corpulence with fruit expression.
Accolades
Wine Spectator - 92 points
James Suckling - 92 points
