In the glass
What it pairs with
-
Roast venison with juniper
Concentration and dark fruit intensity match venison's richness. -
Grilled T-bone steak with bone marrow
Firm tannins and mineral depth find their match in prime beef. -
Aged Iberian shoulder
The wine's density and structure match the complexity of aged cured pork.
How to serve Scala Dei Prior
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Roast venison with juniper, Grilled T-bone steak with bone marrow, Aged Iberian shoulder. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Prior is the premium single-vineyard expression from Cellers de Scala Dei, named for the prior who led the Carthusian monastery adjacent to the estate. It represents the estate's highest selection from old-vine plots.
- 2001 — First vintage of Scala Dei Prior as the prestige cuvee
Facts
- Producer
- Cellers de Scala Dei
- Grapes
- Garnacha Tinta, Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
- Classification
- DOQ Priorat
- Oak
- 20 months in new French oak barrels
- ABV
- 15.0%
- Price
- €60-90 at retail
- Drinking window
- 8-25 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2001
Frequently asked about Scala Dei Prior
What does Scala Dei Prior taste like?
Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, medium acidity with a very long finish.
When should I drink Scala Dei Prior?
Drink 8-25 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Scala Dei Prior?
Roast venison with juniper is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Grilled T-bone steak with bone marrow and Aged Iberian shoulder. Concentration and dark fruit intensity match venison's richness.
What grapes are in Scala Dei Prior?
The blend is Garnacha Tinta, Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah. The wine is classified as DOQ Priorat.