£10, Morrisons
A textbook red from the rugged, once remote but now famed, Catalonian region of Priorat that lies inland from Tarragona. There is white Priorat but most of the wines are powerful, concentrated reds that come with a side order of mineral freshness. Morrisons’ oak-matured 2014 (made by Cellers Unio) combines intense cherry and black fruit, dark chocolate, spice and liquorice with chewy but velvety tannins and the hallmark stony freshness. Like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, red Priorat is based on Grenache, but here it’s called Garnacha and in this wine is blended with Mazuelo and Syrah. Many of Priorat’s vines are very old and produce tiny quantities, not only because of their great age but because of the arid climate and harsh slate soil, known as licorella. It makes this wine all the more remarkable value. In cellar conditions you could age it for four or five years. Alternatively, drink it now with red meat, duck, game, cassoulet or substantial vegetarian food. I can feel a barbecue calling.
Morrisons The Best Priorat, Priorat, Catalonia, Spain
£10, Morrisons