I certainly enjoy writing about amazing craft beers from around the world, but I would be remiss not to turn my attention – and hopefully yours – to one of my favorite wineries in the world: The great Marco Abella Winery from the Priorat Region of Catalunya, Spain about 75 miles southwest of Barcelona. I am lucky to count the wonderful husband and wife winemakers, David Marco Moliner and Olivia Bayés Genís, as friends. Before I tell you about one of my favorite wines by Marco Abella, let me touch upon the wine making region itself.

“El Priorat” is a Spanish Denominació d’Origen Qualificada (DOQ) for wines produced in the Priorat county, in the province of Tarragona, in the southwest of Catalunya. A designation of “DOQ” is a geographical indication that guarantees the origin and the quality of a wine and that it is made from certain varieties and specific wine, oenological and aging practices.

El Priorat DOQ covers eleven municipalities. It primarily produces powerful red wines, which first came to international attention in the 1990s. The traditional grape variety grown in El Priorat is the red Garnacha tinta, which is found in all of the older vineyards. Also authorized are the following red varieties: Garnacha Peluda, Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Four white varieties also are authorized: Garnacha blanca, Macabeo, Pedro Ximénez and Chenin.

In my opinion, one wine that espouses the virtues of the Priorat DOQ better than any other, is “Loidana” by Marco Abella Winery. It is the perfect wine – at a great price point – for those wanting to learn more about all that Priorat wines have to offer.

Loidana is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months and offers intense aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and black cherries. It pairs well with roasted poultry and pasta dishes, as well as baked white fish: It is a truly versatile wine. Its blend is: 55% Garnacha, 35% Cariñena, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Among its many accolades is a 92 out of 100 by Wine Spectator Magazine for its 2016 vintage. I rate it even higher. It can be found in finer wine shops near you. Look for it and enjoy and don’t forget to raise your glass and toast the great wine region of El Priorat and the great winemakers, David and Olivia, of Marco Abella Winery. Viva Catalunya!!!

Cheers!!!