Region and Vineyards
La Baixada is a small, 1.3-hectare single parcel on the Gratallops amphitheatre in Priorat, planted mainly to Garnacha on precipitous llicorella (laminar slate) terraces around 300 metres. This north-facing side of the Dofí hill tempers Mediterranean heat, preserving acidity and aromatic lift while the broken slate—laced with mica and iron—imparts the area's hallmark graphite and saline notes. Farming follows organic/biodynamic principles, with hand work essential on the steep costers.
The site, historically part of Finca Dofí, was bottled separately from 2018 as its identity became undeniable: finer tannins, a red-fruited register and a cooler, more vertical line. Vine age is roughly two decades in 2019, with tiny berries and low yields bringing concentration without heaviness. Production is very limited—on the order of <3,500 bottles depending on the year—underscoring its rarity and terroir focus.
Winemaking
The 2019 blend is 98% Garnacha with ~2% field-blended white varieties (primarily Macabeo and Garnacha Blanca). Grapes from the steep slate terraces were destemmed and lightly crushed, then fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak vats. Maceration is gentle to privilege perfume and texture over extraction.
Élevage lasted 14 months in a single oval French-oak foudre, a large vessel that minimizes oak imprint while allowing slow micro-oxygenation. The aim is a crystalline expression of site—silken tannins, lifted fruit and precise mineral length—rather than sheer weight. Bottling was carried out with minimal handling to preserve purity.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Limpid ruby with a vibrant, translucent core and faint purple rim.
- Aroma: Red cherry, raspberry and pomegranate layered with blood-orange zest, rose and wild thyme; subtle licorice, graphite dust and a cool slate undertone.
- Palate: Medium-plus bodied yet graceful; silky, fine-grained tannins and a saline, stone-etched line carry succulent red fruits, balsamic hints and spice. Long, mouthwatering finish with mineral persistence.
Did you know?
La Baixada is a Vi de Paratge single-site wine and the "shaded" (north-facing) side of the original Dofí vineyard—bottled separately since 2018 for its distinctive freshness and filigree. In recent releases it's flagged for Vinya Classificada status, Priorat's top cru tier.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Milk-fed lamb cutlets: Sweet Garnacha fruit and polished tannins echo the delicate meat; herbal notes link with thyme and bay in the wine.
- Porcini and rosemary tart: Umami depth and savory herbs mirror the wine's balsamic nuance and mineral line.
- Seared duck breast with blood-orange glaze: Red-fruit core and citrus lift dovetail with glaze; acidity cleanses the palate.
- Aged Mahón or Manchego: Nutty salinity and firm texture resonate with slate-driven structure and lingering spice.
