The Curling Match: Precision Over Flash
Here’s the thing about curling. It looks simple until you understand it. It’s not brute strength. It’s timing, angle, and touch.
Clos de Tafall plays the same way.
On the nose: ripe black fruit, a little balsamic edge, dried herbs. That herbal tone? Classic Priorat. That slate soil shows up as a subtle mineral backbone—not loud, just steady.
First sip? Dark berries, a touch of plum, and that savory Mediterranean herb note sliding underneath. The oak is present but not shouting. Think “light toasted” instead of campfire smoke.
The tannins aren’t aggressive. They’re polished. Like a well-swept lane in curling, everything moves smoothly toward the target.
Breaking Down the Region (Why $15.89 Is Wild)
Priorat is one of only two DOCa regions in Spain (Rioja being the other). Steep terraces. Old Garnacha and Cariñena vines. Low yields. Expensive farming.
You don’t normally see this under $20.
At $15.89, this isn’t trying to be a 95-point trophy bottle. It’s playing value defense. It’s saying, “You want depth? I’ve got you.”
Compared to:
- Mid-tier Rioja at $16–18
- Southern Rhône blends at $14–20
- California red blends at $15–25
This punches above its weight class.
Is it as layered as a $40 Priorat? No.
But at this price? It absolutely lands in the house.
The Flavor Strategy: Sweep or Let It Ride?
If you like big, jammy, sweet reds—this isn’t that.
This is structured. Balanced. It carries its fruit all the way through the finish. The store tag says “long and persistent with a silky ending,” and for once, that’s not marketing fluff. It actually lingers.
Food pairing? Easy.
- Grilled ribeye after a cold day hunting
- Lamb chops with rosemary
- Barbecue zucchini boats (yes, I remember those)
- A simple burger night while the snow piles up outside
It has enough backbone to handle protein but enough polish to sip solo.
Honest Take – No Sweeping Required
Let’s be real.
It’s not ultra-complex. It’s not built for 20 years of aging. And the 2023 vintage isn’t rated yet.
But for under $16? This is a no-brainer winter red.
It feels intentional. Balanced. Well-played.
Like a curling skip who knows exactly how much weight to throw.
