Nestled in the heart of Catalonia’s rugged Priorat region, Merum Priorati stands as a beacon of tradition, passion, and innovation in winemaking. This esteemed winery has mastered the art of expressing the unique terroir of Priorat, creating wines that are as bold and complex as the landscape itself.
The Legacy of Priorat
The Priorat region is renowned for its steep terraced vineyards and distinctive llicorella (slate) soils, which impart a characteristic minerality to the wines. This challenging terrain demands dedication and meticulous care from vintners, a commitment that Merum Priorati embraces wholeheartedly. The region’s extreme climate, with hot days and cool nights, helps develop the rich, concentrated flavours in the grapes, making Priorat wines some of the most sought-after in the world.
The Merum Priorati Philosophy
At the helm of Merum Priorati is Pere Ventura, a visionary whose dedication to quality and authenticity has elevated the winery to international acclaim. Pere Ventura’s passion for viticulture and respect for the land are evident in every bottle. His approach blends traditional winemaking techniques with modern innovations, ensuring that Merum Priorati wines reflect both the heritage and future of Priorat.
Merum Priorati is an integral part of the Pere Ventura Family Wine Estates, a distinguished group of wineries founded by Pere Ventura. Established in 1992, PVFWE embodies Ventura’s vision of crafting wines that honor the land’s heritage while embracing sustainable and innovative practices. Since its inception in 2013, Merum Priorati has been a testament to this philosophy, producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Priorat region.
Pere Ventura’s influence extends beyond the winery. As a custodian of Priorat’s winemaking traditions, he is committed to sustainable practices that protect the environment and preserve the region’s unique terroir. His leadership has positioned Merum Priorati not just as a producer of fine wines, but as a symbol of excellence and integrity in the wine world.
THE MERUM PRIORATI COLLECTION
Each wine from Merum Priorati tells a story—of the land, the people, and the passion that goes into every bottle. Their collection represents an offering of experience and knowledge, intertwining the past, present, and future to create a proposal for enjoyment.
MERUM PRIORATI INICI
Merum Priorati Inici (Beginnings) is a wine that captures the very soul of Priorat, offering a deep connection to its roots and rugged, mineral-rich soils. This wine is described as a firm expression of character, blending complexity with captivating elegance. It invites you into a pleasant encounter, opening doors to the fascinating world of Priorat’s terroir. Crafted to reflect the region’s distinctive slate soils and bold winemaking heritage, Inici is more than just a wine; it’s an introduction to the essence of Priorat, delivering both depth and authenticity in every sip.
With a bright, clean cherry red colour and a purple rim, this wine offers a rich nose of red fruit, reminiscent of raspberries and redcurrants, with underlying mineral notes. The palate is fresh and fruity upon entry, evolving into a creamy texture. Well-balanced, it features red fruit flavours once again, complemented by hints of vanilla from its oak aging. Mature and velvety tannins contribute to a long, elegant finish.
Inici’s vibrant freshness and balanced aromatic profile make it an ideal pairing for dishes like partridge with truffles and wild mushrooms, duck breast with sweet potato and grape sauce, a variety of artisan cheeses, or recipes featuring free-range eggs.
MERUM PRIORATI DESTI
Merum Priorati Desti (Destiny) captures the vibrant heartbeat of Priorat’s terroir, embodying the essence of heroic viticulture. This wine reflects the tireless dedication of winemakers who cultivate the region’s challenging, yet rewarding, landscape. Desti isn’t just about the beginning or the end of the winemaking journey; it celebrates the unexpected moments and experiences that unfold along the way. With a focus on purity, freshness, and soul, Desti reveals the wild, untamed spirit of Priorat in every sip. It’s a wine that brings forth the region’s nuanced character, offering a dynamic tasting experience that’s as profound as it is memorable.
A deep, dark-cherry red hue with a garnet rim characterises this wine. The nose is complex, offering aromatic notes of red fruit, particularly raspberries and redcurrants, along with spicy tones and a hint of cassis. Across the palate, it presents a balsamic flavour profile with nuances of sloe and pomegranate. Elegant and silky in texture, it is well-balanced with sweet, rounded tannins that lead to a smooth, lingering finish.
The subtle sweetness of Desti pairs beautifully with lighter dishes like potted lobster or roasted turbot served with potato gratin and cured ham. It also complements grilled red meats infused with aromatic herbs, making it a versatile choice for a range of flavourful meals.
MERUM PRIORATI EL CEL
Merum Priorati El Cel (Sky) is the pinnacle of the winery’s collection, representing the crowning jewel of their winemaking artistry. Crafted from grapes grown in high-altitude vineyards, where the vines reach toward the sky and ripen slowly, El Cel embodies the purity and elegance that comes from this unique terroir. As the wine ages, its personality deepens and evolves, becoming more refined and rounded over time. Beneath its apparent simplicity lies a wine of distinct complexity and structure, offering a layered, sophisticated tasting experience.
It boasts a splendid aromatic intensity, noticeable both on the nose and palate. The nose reveals notes of dark fruit, particularly ripe blueberries, with subtle hints of pastries and toasted grain from the French oak. Broad on entry and refreshing on the palate, it features well-integrated minerality. Aromas of dark fruit, including wild berries, blackberries, and plums, mingle with expressive flavours from oak aging. It unfolds in a powerful, complex manner, with silky tannins ensuring a long, elegant mid-palate.
A bold, full-bodied wine like El Cel pairs perfectly with rich, intricate game dishes, such as jugged hare in a vegetable and herb marinade, suckling pig terrine, or venison tenderloin drizzled with pomegranate sauce.
A Journey Worth Taking
Exploring the wines of Merum Priorati is like embarking on a journey through the rugged beauty of Priorat itself. Each bottle invites you to experience the harmony between nature and craftsmanship, offering a taste of the region’s rich heritage and vibrant future. Whether you’re new to Priorat wines or a seasoned enthusiast, Merum Priorati promises an unforgettable adventure in every glass. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and authentic expression makes them a standout in the world of fine wines.
Experience Merum Priorati
Ready to discover the magic of Merum Priorati? Explore our curated selection of their finest wines and let every sip transport you to the sun-drenched vineyards of Priorat.