Morlanda is in the Priorat (pree-or-OTT) Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOC), about 100 miles south of the city of Barcelona. Priorat is only one of two (Rioja is the other) Spanish wine regions that has been granted official DOC status - all other Spanish winemaking regions are simply DOs. Wines that come from DOC regions are subject to more rigorous standards than their DO counterparts.
Priorat is an ancient wine growing region, with vines first planted in the 12th century. Legend has it that a shepherd had a vision of angels climbing to heaven as if on a staircase. The Carthusian monks established a monastery or priory on the spot, which was called Priorat de Scala Dei, the Priory of the Staircase to God. The monks made wine, of course, and although the monastery is in ruins, the local inhabitants still make wine today.
The region has a desolate, haunting beauty, with ancient terraces climbing the stony hillsides. The landscape appears deserted and one would not be at all surprised to see angels in the sky.
All over Priorat, enthusiastic winemakers are discovering that the vineyards are capable of producing outstanding wines. Demand for the wines far exceeds supply, and Priorat bottlings are among the most expensive wines of Spain. Few bottles ever reach these shores.
