Rotllan Torra is a winery based in Torroja del Priorat, Spain. Jordi Rotllan Torra founded the winery with his family in 1984. In 1997, Rotllan Torra exploded on the Spanish wine making scene with Amadis, a wine from hundred-year-old vines, after two top publications in the Spanish wine industry named the 1995 release as one of the top wines of the year.
The winery (see video below) is located in a former monastery of the small village of Torroja del Priorat (2 hours southwest of Barcelona.) This ancient area (some of the vineyards are 100 years old) is comprised of steep hillside vineyards of Grenache, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon at 2000 feet elevation. The soil is composed primarily of slate. The dry, hot climate forces the vine to reach deep for water and helps produce an intensity in the fruit. All harvesting is done by hand due to the steep inclines of the vineyards.
Tirant seems to have overtaken the Amadis as their flagship wine. The fruit comes from low-yielding vines in a unique microclimate near the village of Torroja del Priorat. The 2003 is a blend of 25% Grenache and 25% Carignan (both from 90 year old vines), 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah and 10% Merlot. It was fermented in foudres and then aged in new French oak for 12 months.
Almost black in color with aromatics of cherry, cassis and blackberry with some forest floor, menthol and floral notes. Rich, layered and dense on the palate with plum, blackberry and pomegranate with some vegetable and herbaceousness, slate, tobacco and smoke. Great balance and complexity. Lots of fruit but also a bit austere showing a bit of an edge. Big, but also elegant and soft. This came with all kinds of high praise — and it did not disappoint. I expect this wine will be even more impressive in 3-5 years and I would already say this is one of the top ten wines I have had from Spain. 16,500 bottles produced. 14% alcohol. Recommended.
I think I have one more bottle of the 2003 Tirant (which I think I am going to sit on for another 2-3 years), as well as 2 bottles of the 2004. Not the easiest wine to find, but certainly worth the effort.
