Wines Priorat La Conreria - Les Brugueres - 2023

Viniou Reviews

La Conreria’s Les Brugueres 2023 is an intriguing white wine from the renowned Priorat DO in Catalonia, Spain. This cuvée is most likely crafted predominantly from the local Garnacha Blanca grape, a varietal well-adapted to the Mediterranean climate of the region. While the Priorat is best known for its robust reds, there is a growing recognition for expressive whites like this one. Les Brugueres stands out with its demi-sec (off-dry) style, offering a delicate balance between ripe fruitiness and a subtle sweetness that does not overpower the palate. The wine is typically vinified in stainless steel to preserve the freshness and the pure varietal character, allowing nuances of stone fruits, blossom, and mineral undertones to emerge.

Priorat is a legendary region in Spanish viticulture, situated about an hour’s drive southwest of Barcelona. The vineyards are carved into steep, terraced hills, with vines rooted in llicorella—a unique, slate-based soil that imparts a deep minerality and distinctive freshness to the wines. The area benefits from a hot, dry climate, with marked diurnal temperature changes that help preserve acidity and aromatic intensity in the grapes. Historically, Priorat has been cultivated since the Middle Ages, with a strong monastic influence; today, it is celebrated for producing wines that are both powerful and exceptionally refined.

Given the demi-sec profile of Les Brugueres, it is a wonderfully versatile partner at the table. It pairs beautifully with Catalan seafood dishes such as suquet de peix (fisherman's stew) or mar i muntanya (surf and turf), where the hint of residual sugar complements both seafood and richer poultry or pork elements. It would also shine alongside Asian cuisine featuring aromatic spices and a touch of sweetness, like Thai green curry or mildly spiced Moroccan tagines. Soft cheeses such as Garrotxa or young goat's cheese are also excellent companions.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Les Brugueres 2023 well-chilled but not too cold, around 10-12°C. This temperature allows its floral and peachy aromatics to unfold, while preserving the wine’s vibrant freshness and elegant minerality. Decanting is not necessary, but letting the wine breathe in the glass will further enhance its aromatic complexity.