Wines Priorat Cellers de Scala Dei - Mas de Caçador - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Cellers de Scala Dei’s Mas de Caçador 2020 from Priorat DO in Catalonia is a striking example of what this revered region offers. This red wine is a blend, emblematic of Priorat, mainly composed of Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan), often with a touch of Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, although the exact composition may vary. The 2020 vintage benefitted from a balanced growing season, allowing for full phenolic maturity while retaining vibrancy. Vineyards for Mas de Caçador lie on steep, ancient terraces of “llicorella” – Priorat’s iconic slate soils – which impart a distinctive minerality and deep structure to the wine. Traditional low-yielding bush vines, some decades old, produce small, concentrated berries. After careful hand-harvesting, the wine is typically vinified in stainless steel or concrete vats, with ageing in French oak barrels to frame the wine’s intensity and aromatic complexity.

Priorat is a jewel of Spanish viticulture. This remote region, about 160km from Barcelona, sits amongst rugged, mountainous terrain, where centuries-old vineyards cling to dizzyingly steep slopes. The Mediterranean climate here is tempered by altitude, resulting in hot days, cool nights, and significant diurnal shifts that help maintain freshness in the grapes. The region’s signature llicorella soils – a mix of black slate and quartz – force roots deep, contributing power and elegance. Historically, the area has been cultivated by Carthusian monks since the 12th century, and its renaissance since the 1990s has cemented Priorat as one of Spain’s most prestigious appellations.

Mas de Caçador, with its robust yet refined profile, pairs beautifully with similarly bold and flavoursome dishes. Consider Catalan cuisine such as roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, butifarra sausage with butter beans, or rich meat stews like escudella. It also works well with game, aged Manchego cheese, or hearty mushroom dishes that highlight umami and earthiness.

For optimal drinking, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Allowing the bottle to breathe for an hour before serving will help unlock its layered aromas of dark fruits, Mediterranean herbs, graphite and spice, while softening the tannins and enhancing the overall harmony. This vintage can be enjoyed now or cellared for further development, promising rewarding evolution over the next decade.