This was my second consecutive Dry January, and it felt like it lasted longer than a slow-motion replay of grass growing. Despite the sluggish pace, it was surprisingly easy to complete, but not as easy as a summer morning coffee on the porch. Sure, Fridays would saunter in, teasing me with visions of a bold red I needed to try, but a brisk walk or a spin on the indoor cycle would swiftly remind me that my legs were working harder than my willpower.
But then, just as I was gearing up for what I affectionately dubbed “Fruit Forward February,” COVID swooped in like a seagull after ones fries. Talk about a buzzardkill! Not only is it a bad idea to hit the bottle when you’re under the weather, but worse, COVID also has the audacity to mess with your senses—making even the finest wine taste like stale room temperature convenience store coffee. And don’t even get me started on smell! I could barely distinguish between ripe fruit or weeks old steamed broccoli.
On the bright side, my bout with the virus was quick (thank you, immune system!). Plus, my loss of taste and smell only lasted as long as it took for me to realize that I’d accidentally used skin moisturizer instead of toothpaste.
Finally, after the setbacks, my February choice was an Alfredo Arribas, Gotes del Priorat. I remembered tasting this wine back in December and it ticking all the boxes. Yes, Priorat wines have skyrocketed in price lately, but this one is very reasonable.
In case you’re wondering. Priorat lies in the northeast of Spain, just north of the Mediterranean coastal city of Tarragona. It is a remote, rural region southwest of Barcelona in the Spanish province of Catalonia. The wines of Priorat have gained the classification of D.O.C.a/D.O.Q. – the highest possible wine classification in Spain. The two main grapes of the region are Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan).
Vibrant red and dark berry. The wine is delicious in its simplicity, with deep tones of ripe red and black berries and subtle hints of oak. Gently tannic with a lovely cherry finish.
50% Garnacha, 40% Cariñena 10% Syrah
Mediterranean DOQ || Catalunya >Tarragona > Montsant
$25.