Previous
Pere Escudé launches new blockbuster Priorat onto UK wine market – Tendral Priorato Crianza 2004
Added: (Tue Jan 08 2008)
Making its UK debut is Tendral Priorato Crianza 2004, the latest wine from ‘Spain’s most exciting region’ according to Decanter magazine.
Tendral Priorato Crianza 2004 is a mouth-watering blend of Shiraz, Garnacha and Mazuelo grapes, from legendary winemaker Pere Escudé. Estate-grown and bottled, the wine is characterised by deep purplish hues and aromas of raspberries, roses and dark black fruit with touches of savoury spice.
Well-balanced and elegant, with juicy tannic structure and a complex finish, this classic Priorat has an abv of 13.5% and is best enjoyed with rich winter dishes, spicy beef and venison casseroles. It is ideal for drinking now and can be cellared for up to two years.
When interviewed by Business Week in June 2007, Robert Parker confirmed that this particular vintage is worthy of note:
“… Priorat wines are considered world-class, especially the 2004 and 2005 vintages”
The origins of winemaking in the Priorat region date back to the 12th century, when the monks of the Carthusian Monastery - originally called a priory, or ‘priorat’ in Catalan - which was founded in 1163, introduced the art of viticulture. Legend has it that the monastery was named after the ‘ladder of God’ seen by a shepherd in a dream.
Located to the west of Barcelona, El Priorat is characterised by a rugged terrain where the vineyards are scattered among eleven valley towns, terraced into the sides of the mountains or planted on the steep slopes. Being of volcanic origin, the black slate soil is the really distinguishing element of this region, together with its unique microclimate.
Grown and then vinified at the Cellers Unió state-of-the-art winery in Poboleda under the quality-focused care of Pere Escudé, this wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks at 25°C, followed by a process of malolactic fermentation. It is then transferred to 300 litre American and French oak casks and spends one year in oak barrels before bottling.
Available now in Tesco at an RRP of £7.99, Tendral Priorato Crianza 2004 has already received rave reviews including in BBC Good Food Magazine and is distributed exclusively by Besós UK Ltd. Michael Wakefield commented:
“At Besós we pride ourselves on the quality of all our wines.
In our view, this is without doubt the best value Priorat wine in the UK market,
a fantastic example of this beautiful and expressive region.”
For further details on this wine, please contact Michael Wakefield directly by email michael.wakefield@besos.co.uk