Certainly Cellers Scala Dei's historical connection to winemaking in Priorat is impressive. This historical property is linked to the arrival of the Carthusian monks in 11th century when they introduced grapevines to the area. Early winemaking at Scala Dei was managed by the monks until Spain ordered the dissolution of monastic properties in 1830's. After the dissolution families of the present owners acquired the property. While our #winelover group was in Priorat we did a tour and wine tasting at Cellers Scala Dei, followed by a visit to the 11th century Cartoixa d’Escaladei (Carthusian Monastery of Santa Maria d’Escaladei).
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| Welcome to Cellers Scala Dei © Spaswinefood |
Standing in the square near the wine cellars we were introduced to this historical place.
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| #Winelovers Visit Scala Dei © Spaswinefood |
During our visit we not only got a sense of rich winemaking history but also some insights into today's operations.
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| #Winelovers, Scala Dei © Spaswinefood |
While walking to the wine cellar we even managed to catch the arrival of new barrels from France. How cool was that?
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| #Winelovers Observe New Barrels for Scala Dei © Spaswinefood |
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| Off to Cellers De Scala Dei © Spaswinefood |
While touring the wine cellar we learnt about the various ways their wines are aged.
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| Scala Dei Cellars © Spaswinefood |
The aging techniques used at the winery include both small and large barrels, concrete tanks, and yes, amphoras as well.
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| Cellers Scala Dei Discussions © Spaswinefood |
Some details on the construction history of the cellars were also shared. My understanding is the original cellar was constructed in the 17th century construction by the monks. Later Escaladei was acquired by four families from Barcelona (Peyra, Rius, Rialp and García de Faria). Soon after the acquisition the first private cellar in the history of Priorat was created, followed by the production prestigious quality wines, which were sold in Paris and Barcelona.
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| Cellers Scala Dei Time © Spaswinefood |
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| Selfie Moment, Cellers Scala Dei © Spaswinefood |
The first Priorat wine was presented to the Paris World Fair in 1878 was from this cellar. Another significant date is 1974 when the winery was re-founded, and started to produce the first wines in modern times. Wine making at Scala Dei wines continued to evolve from 1970's to 2000's. By the mid-2000's Cordorníu became a major shareholder.
Let's take a peek at some of the recent history of Scala Dei winemaking displayed in the cellar.
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| History Scala Dei Cellers © Spaswinefood |
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| Cellers Scala Dei Wine Display © Spaswinefood |
Yes, the oldest wine in the display was a 1974.
Cellers Scala Dei Cartoixa, Priorat 1974
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| Cellers Scala Dei Cartoixa, Priorat 1974 © Spaswinefood |
While standing in the square at Scala Dei the Cellar Peyra sign caught my attention. Yes, the history of this place is indeed exciting to explore.
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| Celler Peyra © Spaswinefood |
Tasting Cellers Scala Dei Wines
Now before the wine tasting perhaps a brief overview of DOQ (Denominació d'Origen Qualificada) Priorat is needed. This Spanish DOQ is located in Priorat County, Tarragona Province in north eastern Spain. Priorat and Rioja are the only two wine regions in Spain with DOQ status, the highest level of qualification. In the 1990's Priorat became known internationally for the high quality of its full bodied, powerful red wines. This is a status that it still maintains internationally. 96% of the wines produced in this wine region are reds, with a small white and rose wine production of 4%. The classic Priorat wine is made from old vines Grenache and Carignan, with Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon being added in some blends. The grapes used in making white wines include Grenache Blanc, Macabeo, Pedro Ximénez, and Chenin Blanc.
We tasted four Cellers Scala Dei wines.
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| Wine Tasting, Scala Dei Cellars © Spaswinefood |
The wine tasting began with a rosé wine.
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| Scala Dei Wines Tasted © Spaswinefood |
The wines we tasted included.
Cellers Scala Dei PLA Dels Angles, Priorat DOQ 2016
Cellers Scala Dei Garnaxta, Priorat DOQ 2016
Cellers Scala Dei Prior, Priorat DOQ 2015
Cellers Scala Dei Cartoixa, Priorat DOQ 2015
Perhaps seeing the 1974 in the wine tasting room prompted me to ask for the selling price. We were told that it is not for sale but maybe we would ask at the wine store later.
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| Spotting a 1974 Amongst Cellers Scala Dei Wines © Spaswinefood |
Later when I saw the 1974 at a wine store in Falset once more I asked the price. Again, I was told that it is not for sale. I suspect that a wise person would not sell this piece of wine history. I certainly would not. Cellers Scala Dei wines are certainly wines with an awesome Priorat history.
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| Cellers Scala Dei Wines © Spaswinefood |
It was worth the drive through some of the most amazing wine country in the world to learn about Cellers Scala Dei. After the wine cellar visit and wine tasting we would later visit the monastery. The setting of the monastery, at the foot of the Montsant Mountains, is absolutely stunning.
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| Cartoixa d’Escaladei © Spaswinefood |
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| Entering Cartoixa d’Escaladei © Spaswinefood |
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Leaving Cartoixa d’Escaladei © Spaswinefood
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Scala Dei winery continued to own the Carthusian monastery until 1991 when the wine growing family, Peyra gave it to the Catalonian government.
Our visit to Scala Dei and the monastery certainly set the context for discovering Priorat wine country. Later we would eat lunch at Clos Figueras. Over lunch we tasted wines from four of the Priorat Singulars wineries.
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Cellers Scala Dei & Clos Figueras, Priorat © Spaswinefood
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Visiting Costa Daurada for our #Winelover 6th Anniversary certainly provided us with an amazing overview of DOQ Priorat. Cellers Scala Dei was indeed a significant part of getting to knowing Priorat, both its past history, and its wines. This #winelover would like to thank our host Sinisa Curavic, SweetEasy and all the sponsors of Costa Daurada #Winelover 6th Anniversary. The organization was truly outstanding. I invite you to join me in my explorations of Costa Daurada and elsewhere at Spaswinefood.
February 2018
Tarragona, Spain
© Spaswinefood
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| Dog and His Ball, Cellers Scala Dei © Spaswinefood |
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Note: I would like to note that part of the expenses for local events was covered by the sponsors. All other expenses (travel and lodging) was covered by Spaswinefood.
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