Màrius Carol (Barcelona, ​​​​1953) directed The Vanguard Between 2013 and 2020, during the turbulent years of the Catalan independence movement and the October 1st referendum. A veteran journalist and author of several books, he says his profession has opened many doors for him. Including those in the world of wine.

I interview the producer Sandra Doix (Poboleda, 1984), from the winery of the same name in Poboleda (DOQ Priorat) at the Barcelona Wine Week fairWe photographed her in Poboleda, in her vineyards. Sandra produces 12,000 bottles, with six different wines, and is one of the DOQ Priorat wineries currently experiencing growth.

"Climate change translates into more hours of sunshine and heat and less rain. If this trend persists and the scientific studies are accurate, one of the biggest turning points for Priorat could certainly be the rise of white wines. We will plant more adapted varieties. And, in this scenario, it seems that white wines are gaining increasing presence and appeal," he reflects. He believes they could represent between 30% and 40% of production in the next 20 years. "White varieties perform very well on slate soils. Planted at altitude, with a low pH, they produce wines with structure and minerality," comments winemaker Jordi Vidal of La Conreria de Scala Dei. Primera Vinya, 100% Garnacha Blanca, is a Vino de Vila that has achieved Vinya Clasificada status thanks to the exceptional qualities of its location, perched atop a hill. Almost twenty years ago, he paved the way for white wines with Les Brugueres. He is aware of all the challenges facing the sector, but he isn't intimidated: "We're on a downward slope globally, but the Priorat DOQ, as a world-renowned region, has a lifeline that keeps us afloat or slows our descent." Vidal believes the crisis can be overcome "if we continue creating expressive wines with a strong identity."

"Let's not forget that, whether we like it or not, we too are animals and need a healthy environment to live." These are the words of photographer Màrius Domingo, author of the poster for this year's Terrer Festival, which is now entering its final stretch. His images showcase some of the birds that inhabit the Priorat region. It's no coincidence that one of the tastings organized as part of Terrer, now that wine has become a permanent fixture, focuses on preserving the landscape and promoting biodiversity. Winemaker Ester Nin (Celler Nin Ortiz, Porrera) has set one condition for accepting the festival director Blai Rosés's proposal: that it take place at the Cartuja de Escaladei. "We've come to explain biodynamics to you in our home," she and Carles Ortiz say humbly. "And also to let you guess what we've served you," they add. Under each glass, a scratch-off card. Iconic biodynamic wines from different regions of the world will be served and tasted as their story unfolds. "Our vines have a living, extensive, and deep root system," they declare from the outset. The image of the leaf they give to attendees illustrates precisely that: root work that is later transferred to the wine. "It's difficult to perceive biodynamic viticulture in the glass, but it is said that these wines are more expressive, with fruit and floral notes," they explain. There is also harmony, as in the subtle crystallizations that allow them to capture the essence of the wine. "The estate should gladden our souls; it should create a living organism where native life flourishes. It should never be a monoculture," Carles Ortiz reminds us. That's why they coexist with almond and hazelnut trees, native vegetation, and dry-stone walls that bear witness to countless years of agricultural activity. "The waxing or waning moon is what gives us vitality." "Animal manure is the most honest way to maintain the soil without heavy machinery; the idea is always to revitalize the soil." They talk about Steiner, about the preparations, explaining that "a good compound allows for better resistance to disease; we go to the Pyrenees to find cow manure." They talk about restoring hillsides and self-esteem, about Flor de la Coma, the new wine that draws from the DNA of old vines.

Ancestral wines, single-fermentation sparkling wines, will once again be the stars of a very special evening in Falset. Next Saturday, July 19th, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., in the Falset Cooperative Square, a dozen wineries—both from the Priorat region and invited from other regions—will showcase their most unique creations at the 3rd Night of Ancestral and Summer Wines. The participating wineries in this edition are Andreu Ortiz, Bell Cros, Cal Bessó, Can Lleó, Ètim Cooperativa Falset Marçà, Ficaria Vins, Fuscolusco, Bodega Gritelles, Heipol, Llunara, Los Comunes, Ouyea, and Sans Domain.

Becoming a farmer? It's not that easy. Among urbanites, there's often an Arcadian image of the rural world. "And a radish!" the villagers respond. If it were that easy, the cities would be empty and the villages packed to the brim. The weekend is lovely, up in the mountains, with the fireplace lit, taking a walk, reading a book, and extending the evening with a gin and tonic. But start digging the soil on Monday, worrying about whether it rains too much or too little, taking care of the livestock, the crops, or the vineyard. Or, yes, even the rural tourism business. Work! Hard, physical work, without holidays, without much incentive.

This is the story of the miracle of wine in Priorat, however. On May 2, 3, and 4, the starting gun is being held in Falset for the thirtieth edition of the Wine Fair, which will continue to organize tastings at the various wineries in Priorat throughout the month. The anniversary comes in a rather complicated context: wine consumption is declining—younger people aren't drinking—and the drought, which has passed but everyone is certain will return, has reduced the grape harvest by 35%. The only thing missing from this reality are US President Donald Trump's threats of tariffs, which will complicate wine exports to the United States, one of the countries that sends the most (and most expensive) wines to Priorat. However, thirty years after the first Falset Wine Fair, it is a good opportunity to look back and take stock. ARA has spoken with some of the people who, more than 30 years ago, believed the region had an unmissable opportunity and who bet everything on the vineyard, which can only thrive in this terrain of difficult slopes dominated by native slate. "What happened in Priorat couldn't happen anywhere else," says winemaker and viticulturist René Barbier, almost 40 years after acquiring his first estate in the region, of which he has nothing but love. "There is extraordinary intelligence in Priorat," he asserts.

The Falset Wine Fair (DOQ Priorat and DO Montsant Wine Show and Market) is once again betting on music as an integral part of its program, having renewed a partnership that already proved successful in the 2024 edition: with the FIM Vila-seca, on the one hand, and the Garbinada Pop festival, on the other. As a result of this agreement, during the Wine Fair (May 2-4), the following bands will perform in Falset: Andreu Peral, Landry, Mujer Negra Canta, Rambalaya, The Prioratians, and Músicos de Calle.

It's not difficult to capture the dynamic spirit of the people of El Camp—in the broadest sense of the term—from the ground up or by reviewing its history. The list of elements, events, and people who have done both famous and crazy things from our country is more than long. From the tops of our mountains to the darkest sides of our valleys and coast.