Cellers Grifoll Declara Predicatt Priorat
Cellers Grifoll Declara Predicatt Priorat is a 750ml, 14% ABV red blend from Spain's prestigious Priorat DOQ appellation. Sourced from the village of El Molar — one of only two Pri orat villages whose vineyards combine calcareous soils with the region's signature llicorella slate — this wine delivers a layered expression of old-vine Mediterranean character that punches well above its weight class. Quick Facts: ABV: 14% | Origin: Priorat DOQ, Catalonia, Spain | Style: Full-Bodied Red Blend | Producer: Cellers Grifoll Declara Production & Heritage Cellers Grifoll Declara is a family-run estate based in El Molar, a small village in the southern reaches of Priorat. The Predicatt blends 45% Garnacha, 45% Carignan, and 10% Merlot — a classic Priorat framework anchored by the two indigenous workhorses of the region. The vineyards are farmed organically and sustainably, rooted in the distinctive llicorella slate that defines Priorat terroir. These fractured, mineral-rich soils force vines to push deep for water, resulting in low yields and concentrated fruit with a pronounced mineral backbone. Tasting Notes Aroma: The glass opens with dark-ruby depth and a pronounced nose of black currant, dark plums, and dried Mediterranean herbs. Deeper sniffs reveal licorice, cloves, and a subtle wet-rock minerality that signals the llicorella beneath. Taste: The entry is juicy and immediate, with full-on cherry-pie and blackberry-preserve flavors taking center stage. Mid-palate complexity builds through layers of fennel bulb, dried thyme, coffee bean, and freshly ground black pepper. Bold tannins slowly fill the mouth, providing structural grip without roughness. Finish: The tannins recede into a soft, spicy finish that lingers with warmth and dried herb notes. There is a persistent mineral streak that carries through the close, a hallmark of well-made Priorat. How to Drink Predicatt This wine rewards a generous pour into a large-bowled glass with 20–30 minutes of breathing time; serving slightly below room temperature, around 62–65°F, allows the fruit and mineral notes to balance without alcohol heat. While built for sipping alongside a meal, the Predicatt's tannic structure and dark-fruit concentration also make it a compelling wine for cocktail-adjacent applications: a Kalimotxo gains serious depth from its blackberry and coffee notes; a red wine Sangria benefits from its Mediterranean herb character and sturdy body; and a simple Tinto de Verano becomes more complex when the base wine carries this level of mineral intensity. Best For Introducing a wine enthusiast to Priorat's distinctive terroir without the ultra-premium price tag Pairing with a grilled lamb or braised short rib dinner party Building a cellar collection of Spanish DOQ-level wines Gifting to someone who appreciates organic, terroir-driven winemaking Frequently Asked Questions What does Predicatt taste like? Predicatt delivers a juicy core of dark cherry, blackberry preserves, and black currant supported by savory notes of dried thyme, coffee bean, black pepper, and a mineral streak from Priorat's llicorella slate soils. Bold but balanced tannins give way to a warm, spicy finish. How does Predicatt compare to Châteauneuf-du-Pape? Both wines rely on Garnacha (Grenache) as a primary grape and come from hot Mediterranean climates with stony soils — galets roulés in Châteauneuf versus llicorella slate in Priorat. Predicatt generally shows darker, more concentrated fruit with firmer tannins and a more pronounced mineral character, while many Châteauneuf-du-Pape bottlings lean toward red fruit, garrigue, and a broader, softer texture. Is Predicatt good for sipping neat? Absolutely — this is a food-friendly wine, but it stands confidently on its own when given time to open up in the glass. Its balance of ripe fruit, savory spice, and structural tannins rewards patient, contemplative drinking. Where is Predicatt made? Predicatt is produced by Cellers Grifoll Declara in El Molar, a village within Spain's Priorat DOQ in Catalonia. El Molar is notable for having vineyards that combine both calcareous soils and the classic llicorella slate that defines the appellation. What foods pair well with Predicatt? Grilled or roasted lamb chops complement the wine's herbal and dark-fruit character. Braised beef short ribs match its tannic structure and savory depth. Aged Manchego or Idiazábal cheese echoes its Mediterranean personality. Roasted root vegetables with rosemary bridge the earthy, herbal notes. Charred chorizo or morcilla brings out the wine's peppery spice. What sizes does Predicatt come in? The standard bottling is available in 750ml format. Is Predicatt worth the price? Predicatt positions as a mid-range entry point into Priorat DOQ — one of Spain's most prestigious and historically expensive wine regions. For a fully DOQ-classified Priorat from organically farmed, site-specific vineyards in El Molar, this blend represents strong value relative to many peers in the appellation that command significantly higher prices for comparable quality. Why Predicatt? Priorat remains one of only two Spanish wine regions holding the top-tier DOQ (Denominació d'Origen Qualificada) classification, alongside Rioja. Within that rarefied context, the Predicatt distinguishes itself through El Molar's dual-soil terroir and the near-equal Garnacha-Carignan backbone that gives it both generosity and structure. Organic farming and the stress of llicorella slate yield fruit of genuine concentration without relying on heavy extraction or new oak. For drinkers seeking an authentic, terroir-expressive Priorat that delivers complexity without the sticker shock of the region's cult bottlings, this is a serious bottle that earns its place at the table.