Roving Sommelier is passionate about premium quality regional Spanish wines. I have known Franck Massard for more than twenty years. In fact, I first met him in 1998 when he became the wine buyer and head sommelier at Orrery restaurant in London. As we were both sommeliers at the time and working in London, we also went to many wine tastings together and on a few trips, too – my first being in 1997 to Ribera del Duero in Spain. When Franck left the Orrery in 2000, he went to Spain and worked for Miguel Torres as a global wine ambassador, hosting wine events, dinners, and tastings around the world. Whilst living and working in Catalonia, where the Torres family are based, Franck also set about looking for vineyards to cultivate for himself. Priorat, amongst other prestigious denominations within Catalonia, have very special and unique microclimates, perfect conditions for Franck to produce a very special range of wines under his eponymous wine label.

DOQ Priorat – talking about the landscape of a place is always a difficult task, given the complexity of factors involved and the varying viewpoints therein. However, the one thing the Priorat has is its uniqueness.

Humilitat is the essence of Priorat; a humble unpretentious wine that reflects the minerality so particular to this area and thus achieve the freshness that is often lacking in the region. Elegant, fresh, simple, humble…Garnacha at its best.

“Because we wish to nurture the land and tend the grapes, but we are only vignerons and artisans, honing our skills. Then the land opens itself up to us, enlightens us, guides us to a special wine. This is humility. This is Humilitat.”

Best enjoyed decanted at least one hour before service, at room temperature and in a convivial atmosphere.