Wines Priorat Alfredo Arribas - Gotes del Priorat - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Alfredo Arribas's 2021 Gotes del Priorat is an expressive red blend from the renowned Priorat appellation in Catalonia, northern Spain. This wine, crafted by the highly regarded Alfredo Arribas estate, characteristically features local grape varieties such as Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan), which together produce wines of impressive vitality and depth. The 2021 vintage benefited from a combination of mild springtime conditions and a warm, dry summer, resulting in fruit of excellent concentration and aromatic purity. Typical vinification in Priorat respects both tradition and modernity: hand-harvested grapes are gently pressed, with fermentation and subsequent ageing often taking place in a mix of stainless steel vats and oak barrels, lending the wine both clarity and complexity.

The Priorat region is one of Spain’s most prestigious, set amongst rugged hills around 100km southwest of Barcelona. Its distinctive terroir is defined by llicorella, a unique slate-and-quartz soil that imparts minerality and structure to the wines. The Mediterranean climate, with its hot, dry summers and cool nights, encourages slow ripening and the preservation of acidity, balancing the concentrated fruit. Historically, Priorat was almost forgotten until a renaissance in the late 20th century; today, it enjoys Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) status and is synonymous with powerful, age-worthy reds that express both landscape and heritage.

Gotes del Priorat, with its generous dark fruit, hints of liquorice and minerals, and finely grained tannins, pairs beautifully with hearty cuisine. For a classic regional combination, try slow-cooked lamb with rosemary, roasted game birds, or Catalan beef stew (estofado). The wine’s structure also suits charred vegetables, mushroom ragoût, or aged hard cheeses like Manchego.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for an hour before serving to allow full expression of aromas and flavours. Serve at 16-18°C: this temperature highlights the wine's freshness while unveiling its depth and intricate minerality.