Bartolome Vernet, Priorat DOCa, Primitiu de Bellmunt
1998, Catalunya, Spain
Classification Priorat DOCa
Colour / Type Red
Bottle size 75cl
Alcohol 14%
Grape Carinena Garnacha
Average score 88
In this tiny DOC Priorat Single Estate of the Bartolome i Vernet family, passion and dedication are inextricably linked to loyalty and devotion to the native soil and grape cultivation. Generation after generation, the family has harvested the grape stocks on its plots of land known as trossos, using them to produce its wines in the traditional manner from the local Garnacha and Samso (Carine a) varieties. This is a heritage that Josep Bartolome maintained even in the difficult years of the seventies, and thirty years later, alongside his son-in-law, Antonio Rodriguez, they set about improving the quality of the family s wines. In 1997 the family started to bottle its own wines having only previously sold in bulk. The 7-hectare vineyards of this small estate are in Bellmunt del Priorat, a town to the southwest of the district where the Siurana and Montsant rivers meet as they flow towards the Ebro. Being genuine vineyards of the DOC Priorat region, the family s three trossos,' Mas de Caldera'(1.5 hectares of 100-year-old rootstocks), 'El Grinyo' (2 hectares of 110-year-old vines) and 'Els Molins'(3.5 hectares of 40+-year-old vines) form part of this extraordinary, steeply sloping landscape, in which each terrace of land is a haven of peace and quiet: twisted, age-old vines emerge amidst sheets of slate. With an average output of 2,500 kg/ha, this allows an annual production of no more than 10,000 bottles.
About Bartolome Vernet
Vins Priorat i Montsant is a collective that brings together some of the most distinguished wineries from the Priorat and Montsant regions in Catalonia, Spain. These regions are celebrated for their unique terroir, rich viticultural history, and the production of high-quality wines that reflect the character of the land and the dedication of its people. The collective's mission is to promote the wines and culture of Priorat and Montsant, fostering collaboration among producers and sharing their passion for winemaking with the world.
The Priorat region is characterized by its rugged landscape, steep slopes, and distinctive llicorella slate soils, which impart a special mineral quality to the wines. The climate is Mediterranean with continental influences, marked by hot summers and cold winters, and significant temperature variations between day and night. These conditions contribute to the slow, balanced ripening of grapes, resulting in wines with depth, complexity, and intensity. The main grape varieties cultivated in Priorat include Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan), often blended with international varieties like Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The wines are known for their powerful structure, deep color, and expressive aromas.
Montsant, which encircles Priorat, shares many of its neighbor's climatic and geological features but offers a slightly softer expression in its wines. The region’s soils are diverse, including limestone, clay, and granite, supporting a range of grape varieties such as Garnacha, Cariñena, Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon for reds, and Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, and Chardonnay for whites. Montsant wines are appreciated for their balance, freshness, and fruit-forward character, making them accessible yet complex.
Vins Priorat i Montsant serves as a platform for wineries to collaborate on marketing, events, and educational initiatives. The collective organizes tastings, fairs, and guided tours, offering wine lovers the chance to discover the unique qualities of the region's wines and the stories behind each producer. They emphasize sustainable viticulture, respect for tradition, and innovation, ensuring that the legacy of Priorat and Montsant continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
The website provides detailed information about the participating wineries, each with its own history, philosophy, and signature wines. Visitors can explore profiles of producers, learn about their vineyards and winemaking techniques, and find recommendations for local gastronomy and tourism. The collective also highlights the cultural and natural heritage of the area, encouraging visitors to experience the dramatic landscapes, historic villages, and vibrant wine culture of Priorat and Montsant.
Through its activities, Vins Priorat i Montsant aims to strengthen the identity of these two prestigious wine regions, supporting local producers and sharing their passion with a global audience. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious traveler, the collective invites you to discover the distinctive flavors, traditions, and landscapes that make Priorat and Montsant exceptional destinations for wine and culture.