🇪🇸 Black Slate Escaladei Vi de Vila Priorat 2021

Priorat, but make it dangerously drinkable and not a second mortgage. Black Slate Escaladei 2021 is that village-level flex with Garnacha swagger and a clean, stony finish.

Wine Description 
Black Slate Escaladei “Vi de Vila” is a DOQ Priorat red sourced from the village of Escaladei, made by La Conreria d’Scala Dei. It’s built around Garnacha, with a small splash of Syrah reported for this vintage, and it leans elegant instead of bulky. 

The Wine Advocate’s note for 2021 calls out its bright color, floral lift, and fine tannins, plus a long, dry finish that feels more “come closer” than “sit up straight.” If you want Priorat character without the heavyweight drama, this is the move. 

The Vibe 
This is the kind of wine you open when you want to look like you have taste, not time for lectures. It’s polished, mineral-leaning Priorat energy that still knows how to flirt, and it works whether you’re cooking something serious or ordering takeout like a professional.

What it tastes like 
Red-fruit-forward Garnacha vibes with an herbal edge and a subtle floral thing going on, then it lands medium-bodied with fine tannins and finishes dry and tidy. Think elegant, not loud, with that Priorat “black slate” feel showing up more as structure than as a punchline. 

Pairing + When to drink it (1 paragraph)
Throw it at grilled lamb, roasted chicken thighs, mushroomy pastas, or anything with smoky edges and it’ll behave beautifully. The reviewed drinking window starts in 2024, and it’s positioned as a near-term pleasure bottle rather than a decades-in-the-cellar situation. 

Quick Specs 

• Producer: La Conreria d’Scala Dei 

• Region/Appellation: Spain, DOQ Priorat, Vi de Vila (Escaladei)

• Grapes: Garnacha, plus 3% Syrah 

• Vintage: 2021 

• Farming: Certified organic (CCPAE) 

• Winemaking/Aging: 50% whole-cluster for Garnacha, aged in 3,000L and 5,000L Stockinger oak foudres 

• ABV: 13.94% 

• Bottle size: 750 mL 

Critic Reviews

• Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate: 92+ points, reviewed vintage: 2021, date: 5/16/24 
  Excerpt (short): Medium-bodied and elegant, with floral hints, fine tannins, and a long, dry finish. 

FAQs 
Q: What is Black Slate Escaladei Vi de Vila 2021?
A: It’s a DOQ Priorat red wine from the village of Escaladei, made under the “Vi de Vila” village classification. 

Q: What grapes are in Black Slate Escaladei 2021?
A: The Wine Advocate report for the 2021 vintage describes it as Garnacha with 3% Syrah. 

Q: What does “Vi de Vila” mean in Priorat?
A: “Vi de Vila” is a village wine category in DOQ Priorat, meaning the grapes come from within a specific village area defined by the Consejo Regulador.

Q: What is the alcohol content of Black Slate Escaladei 2021?
A: 13.94% ABV.

Q: Does Black Slate Escaladei 2021 have a critic score?
A: Yes, The Wine Advocate rated the 2021 vintage at 92+ points.