Wines Priorat Terroir Al Limit - Pedra de Guix - 2022

Viniou Reviews

The Terroir Al Limit “Pedra de Guix” 2022 is a remarkable white wine from the prestigious Priorat DO in Catalonia, Spain. This cuvée is a blend, typically comprising indigenous grape varieties such as Grenache Blanc, Macabeu, and Pedro Ximénez. The 2022 vintage comes from old, low-yielding vines grown on the region’s distinctive llicorella slate soils, at elevation, which impart both mineral intensity and natural freshness. The vinification philosophy here is as respectful of the fruit and terroir as possible, with manual harvesting, gentle pressing, and fermentation with indigenous yeasts, often followed by ageing in neutral oak or concrete to preserve the purity and texture of the wine.

The Priorat region is one of Spain’s viticultural jewels, famed for its rugged landscape of steep, terraced vineyards and its complex geology. The climate is predominately Mediterranean but marked by considerable temperature shifts between day and night, which help maintain acidity and aromatic tension in the wines. Llicorella, the ubiquitous black slate mingled with quartz, lends wines from Priorat a distinct minerality and depth. The region’s long history, stretching back to the 12th-century Carthusian monks, has laid a foundation for modern winemaking that combines tradition and innovation.

This white Priorat is structured and textural, showing notes of ripe orchard fruit, white flowers, fennel, and a compelling saline streak from the slate-rich soils. Its complexity means it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes: try it with seafood paella, Catalan-style roast chicken with Mediterranean herbs, or grilled monkfish with romesco sauce. It can also accompany more subtly flavoured foods such as fresh goat’s cheese or mushroom risotto, showcasing its length and layered character.

For optimal enjoyment, serve the Pedra de Guix at 10-12°C. Decanting for half an hour before serving can open up its aromatics and texture. This wine promises both immediate pleasure and potential for graceful evolution in your cellar.