Wines Priorat Miguel Torres - Salmos - 2021

Viniou Reviews

The 2021 Miguel Torres Salmos from Priorat is a striking red wine that beautifully embodies the intensity and depth characteristic of this prestigious Catalonian appellation. A skilful blend, often marrying Garnacha (Grenache), Cariñena (Carignan), and a touch of Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, the Salmos is vinified with meticulous attention, drawing out both structure and elegance. The nose reveals ripe black fruit – plums and blackberries – alongside hints of liquorice, smoky minerals, and a subtle note of Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it offers concentration and finesse, with firm but well-integrated tannins giving way to a long, persistent finish accentuated by nuances of mocha and spice.

Priorat, nestled inland from the Mediterranean in mountainous terrain, is famed for its llicorella soils, a unique blend of black slate and quartz that imparts a distinctive mineral edge to its wines. This rugged landscape, coupled with steep terraced vineyards, ensures low yields but exceptional grape quality. The region’s Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers and cool nights that preserve acidity and encourage measured ripening, making Priorat one of Spain’s most acclaimed DO regions with a rich viticultural history tracing back to the 12th-century Carthusian monks.

Miguel Torres Salmos pairs splendidly with robust dishes, making it a fine choice for grilled lamb cutlets, beef stew, or a richly flavoured wild boar ragout. For a regional match, consider Catalan favourites such as botifarra sausages with white beans, or escalivada – roasted Mediterranean vegetables dressed in olive oil, which echo the earthy, herbal dimensions of the wine. Salmos is equally harmonious with cured cheeses and charcuterie, its structure balancing the savoury, umami notes.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Priorat at 16-18°C, ideally after allowing it to breathe in a decanter for an hour. This will allow the wine’s intricate bouquet and textured palate to fully express themselves. Salmos can be cellared for several more years, promising further complexity with age.