Linked intrinsically with the rise in prominence of Priorat into the upper echelons of Spanish winemaking is the resurgence of Cariñena, or Carignan, as more local winemakers have learned that it makes 'characterful wines with true local identity' (Decanter).

Strangely, the opposite has been happening in neighboring France, where in the 1960s Carignan was the 'most commonly planted variety' (DC). Today production has shrunk massively, and it now only plays a main role in the Languedoc-Roussillon.

Priorat, now emerging as a very in-demand region in recent years, is a small but dynamic wine region in Catalonia, north-eastern Spain. It is home to a group of young visionaries, such as Marc Ripoll of Cal Batllet, who work painstakingly to improve the elevated vineyards and rejuvenate this previously much overlooked indigenous varietal.

In a recent vertical tasting by Decanter's Spanish wine expert, Sarah Jane Evans MW, the 2014 vintage of the Cal Batllet Priorat 5 Partides Gratallops shone through. Scoring 96 points from Decanter, the grapes are selected from five organically farmed parcels of old vines (up to 90 years of age) at different elevations and slopes in Gratallops.

The 2014 is mineral-driven,'wonderfully complex' and makes 'a powerful impression' (DC). The textured but fine grained tannins evolve into a 'long, satisfying finish' (DC). Also, importantly, it has already had 7 years of aging to evolve so is drinking beautifully now.

Since returning to the family estate in 2000, Marc Ripoll has focused on producing a style of Priorat that puts the local terroir at the front and centre. He is crafting Cariñena of great elegance and refinement whilst he is now acknowledged as one of the leading producers in Gratallops.

Offered today at only £220 per case IB, the Cal Batllet Priorat 5 Partides Gratallops 2014 shines through as exceptional value when compared to the other top-scoring Priorats in Decanter's most recent Spanish Cariñena Report.