Wines Priorat Clos del Mill - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Clos del Mill 2022 is a red wine that beautifully expresses all the power and elegance of the Priorat appellation in Catalonia, Spain. Crafted predominantly from Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan), the region’s signature varieties, this 2022 vintage benefits from a particularly warm and sunny growing season, providing ripe yet balanced fruit. The vines thrive on llicorella, Priorat’s iconic slate soils, which ensure low yields and concentrate flavors. Vinification respects local traditions with hand-harvested grapes, maceration to extract color and aromas, and careful aging—often partially in French oak—to enhance complexity and preserve the mineral backbone that defines true Priorat wines.

Catalogne is one of Spain’s most dynamic viticultural areas, and the Priorat sits at its heart. The region is characterized by rugged hills, steep terraces, and the signature black slate and quartz soil known locally as llicorella. The Mediterranean climate links hot, dry summers with relatively mild winters, ensuring optimal ripeness and structure in the grapes. Historically, Priorat has been renowned for wines of remarkable depth since medieval monks first cultivated vines here. Today, the DOQ Priorat is a prestigious appellation, acclaimed for bold reds that combine minerality, intensity, and elegance in each bottle.

A powerful, structured red like Clos del Mill 2022 calls for equally robust dishes. Traditional Catalan fare pairs beautifully—think slow-cooked lamb with rosemary, wild boar stew, or a hearty escalivada (grilled vegetables, especially eggplant and peppers). The wine’s richness and tannic grip also complement charred beef, mushroom risotto, or mature Manchego cheese. For a local touch, consider butifarra sausage or a stew of chickpeas and chorizo.

For optimal appreciation, decant Clos del Mill for at least an hour before serving to allow the wine’s aromas to open fully. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to reveal the full breadth of black fruit, spice, and mineral notes, while the tannins remain supple and elegant. This wine is rewarding now but has excellent potential for cellaring over the next eight to ten years.