Wines Priorat Ardèvol - Coma d'en Romeu - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Ardèvol’s Cuvée Coma d’en Romeu 2018 is a compelling red wine from Spain’s renowned Priorat region, situated in Catalonia. This cuvée is typically a blend centred on Garnacha (Grenache) and Carignan—two grape varieties emblematic of Priorat—sometimes enhanced by a touch of Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, depending on the vintage. The 2018 expresses the depth and structure attributable to old vines and low yields. Vinification usually follows traditional methods: hand-harvested grapes, fermentation in small vats to preserve varietal flavours, and significant ageing in French oak barrels, which imparts subtle spice and gentle tannins. The result is a wine of concentration and complexity, with aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, liquorice, and smoky mineral notes distinctive to Priorat’s unique geology.

Priorat’s reputational strength lies in its remarkable terroir. The region features steep, terraced vineyards planted on llicorella, a slate and quartz soil that imparts the celebrated minerality and intensity. The Mediterranean climate is marked by hot, dry summers and marked diurnal temperature variation, allowing slow, optimal ripening of the grapes and preservation of acidity. Viticulture in Priorat has ancient roots, but a renaissance since the 1990s has elevated its international standing. Today, Priorat reds are lauded for their formidable structure, depth, and age-worthiness, and Ardèvol sits comfortably within this tradition.

A wine as bold and layered as the Cuvée Coma d’en Romeu 2018 pairs exquisitely with robust cuisine. Enjoy it alongside richly flavoured meats such as slow-roasted lamb or beef stews. Catalan classics like butifarra (local sausage) with white beans, or game dishes with wild mushrooms, echo the wine’s rustic elegance. Mature hard cheeses, particularly Manchego, also make an excellent match, highlighting the wine’s savoury undertones.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour to allow it to express its full aromatic range. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. This will beautifully showcase its complexity, ripe fruit, and Priorat’s signature mineral edge.