Estriacus Noster Inicial 2018 Priorat
VARIETALS: Grenache 70%, Carignan
25%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5%
Viticulture Area: Priorat, Spain

Estriacus: La Perla del Priorat, one of Priorat's oldest wineries, was founded by the Carthusian monks of Scala Dei in the 15th century. After more than 10 years of winemaking at La Perla, winemaker Montserrat Cereceda and winegrower Miquel Sabate started Estriacus winery in 2015. Making outstanding wines is their way of respecting and honoring the rich tradition and history of this land. Priorat is a DOQ (Denominacio de Origen Qualificada) which is the highest quality classification in Catalonia (Eastern Spain), and one of only two wine regions in Spain to qualify as DOC, the highest qualification in Spain. Tasting notes: Intense cherry red color. Complex aromas of red fruits with layers of plums and figs, beautifully integrated with chocolate and vanilla. Full bodied, complex, with persistent mature tannins.

N O S T E R WINES
Estriacus winery is located in the town of Gratallops, Priorat, just 40 km from the Mediterranean. Priorat is a DOQ (Denominacio d'Origen Qualificada) which is the highest quality classification in Catalonia (Eastern Spain), and one of only two wine regions in Spain to qualify as DOCa, the highest qualification in Spain.

Winery: Estriacus
Wine Makers: Montserrat Cereceda
Appellation: DOQ Priorat
Grapes: 70% Grenache, 25% Carignan, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Soil: Licorella slate rocks Elevation: 1,312 feet above sea level
Vineyard practice: Dry farming, organic agriculture and winemaking practices without certification
Vine Age: >25 yrs old Production: 8,000 bottles
Fermentation: Grapes are fermented separately. Maceration between 15-20 days with pump over and delestage (rack and return).
Aging: 50% of the wine for 12 months in French oak barrels. The rest in stainless steel tanks.

D.O. Q Priorat: A small and dynamic wine region in Catalonia, in NE Spain known for full-bodied red wines made mostly from Grenache and Cariñena, although international varietals can be used.It has continental climate with long, hot, and dry Summers. The region’s slate soil, known as “llicorella” in Catalan is of paramount importance to winemakers as it imparts much of the minerality wines this area is prized for. The combination of the poor soil and dry weather creates abnormally low yields. Winemaking in this region dates tothe 12th century when monks of the Carthusian Order established the Priorato dei Scala Dei monastery and planted vineyards there.

Tasting notes: Intense cherry red color. Complex aromas of red fruits with layers of plums and figs, beautifully integrated with chocolate and vanilla. Full bodied, complex, with persistent mature tannins. 70% Grenache, 25% Carignan, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Food Suggestions: Good with lamb, asado (short ribs), pheasant. 

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